LISTEN: UK community reacts to Swiss Yodel’s UN recognition

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has recognized the Swiss Yodel as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, adding it to its 2025 list. This announcement has been met with great joy and pride by the Swiss community and music lovers worldwide.

Yodeling is a traditional form of singing that involves rapid changes of pitch between the chest and head voice. It originated in the Swiss Alps and has been passed down through generations as a way to communicate across the mountains. It is not only a unique form of vocal expression but also a symbol of Swiss identity and cultural heritage.

The decision to recognize Swiss Yodel as an intangible cultural heritage is a significant achievement for Switzerland. This recognition by UNESCO not only highlights the importance of preserving and promoting traditional forms of art but also acknowledges the rich cultural diversity of the world.

The news of this recognition has been received with great enthusiasm by the Swiss community living in the UK. For them, yodeling is not just a form of music, but a way to connect with their roots and keep their cultural heritage alive. Many Swiss expats living in the UK have expressed their joy and pride in this achievement.

One such individual is Lisa, a Swiss national living in London. She says, “I am thrilled to hear that Swiss Yodel has been recognized by UNESCO. It is a significant part of our culture and has been passed down through generations in my family. This recognition is a testament to the uniqueness and beauty of yodeling.”

The Swiss Yodel has also gained popularity in the UK over the years, with many people learning and practicing this traditional form of singing. Its inclusion in the UNESCO list will not only raise awareness about yodeling but also promote cultural exchange and understanding between different communities.

David, a music teacher in London, says, “I have been teaching yodeling to my students for years, and I am delighted that it has been recognized by UNESCO. It is a challenging but beautiful form of singing, and I am glad that more people will now get to know about it.”

The recognition of Swiss Yodel by UNESCO is also a significant step towards preserving and promoting traditional forms of art in an increasingly globalized world. It serves as a reminder that despite the influence of modernization, traditional forms of music and art should not be forgotten.

Swiss Yodel is not the only cultural heritage from the UK to be recognized by UNESCO. In 2019, the art of making beer in Belgium was added to the list, and in 2020, the Irish harping tradition was recognized. This recognition not only celebrates the diversity of cultures but also encourages countries to continue preserving their unique traditions.

In addition to the joy and pride felt by the Swiss community, this recognition also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and promoting traditional forms of art and culture. It is a call to action for governments and communities to take steps towards safeguarding their intangible cultural heritage.

The inclusion of Swiss Yodel in the UNESCO list is a significant achievement for Switzerland and a cause for celebration for the Swiss community. It is a reminder that despite the challenges of modernization, traditional forms of art and music can still thrive and be appreciated by people worldwide. Let us all raise our voices and yodel in celebration of this recognition by UNESCO.