The Swiss government has proposed yodeling, a traditional form of singing, for inclusion on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.

The Swiss government has initiated a proposal to include yodeling, a traditional form of singing from the Alps, on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. This practice, originally used for communication among livestock herders, has evolved into a popular form of singing, with approximately 12,000 active yodelers in 780 groups across Switzerland. Yodeling benefits from a dedicated festival held once every three years. Professor Nadja Räss from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts argues that yodeling should be recognized as the fifth language of Switzerland and promotes its introduction in primary schools to ensure the future of this tradition. The UNESCO decision is expected by the end of the year.