Yodelling
Inscribed in 2025 (20.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Yodelling is a vocal technique involving the use of different vocal registers, such as chest and head voices, to create melodies with meaningless syllables instead of words. The syllables chosen are often determined by the local dialect. There are two types of yodelling: natural and sung. Natural yodelling consists of wordless melodies that vary by region and dialect and are passed down orally. Sung yodelling includes verses with a yodel chorus, often centred on themes like nature and daily life. Yodelling can be performed by individuals, small groups or choirs, and sometimes with instruments like the accordion. It features rich harmonics and is often performed at concerts, parties and competitions, with participants typically wearing traditional regional costumes.
The practice, associated with agricultural events such as harvest festivals and alpine traditions, is performed by people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. Yodelling knowledge and skills are passed down orally, through sheet music, and via choirs and online platforms. Yodelling is also taught in group or individual lessons by private teachers and music schools. It promotes cultural participation, emotional expression and well-being, uniting communities and providing a shared sense of identity.
