SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
You might know that UNESCO designates cultural and historic sites as world heritage sites. These are often places of great cultural, historical or ecological importance - think of the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal or the Great Barrier Reef. But each year, UNESCO also recognizes culturally significant practices, traditions and customs that are unique to certain societies. The committee that shapes these decisions is meeting in New Delhi this week, and there are new additions to UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage. This year's list includes a traditional form of weaving from Saudi Arabia, the craftsmanship of handmade paper from Japan, yurt-making skills from Central Asia, the Cuban style of music, Son, and...
NADJA RASS AND UNIDENTIFIED STUDENTS: (Yodeling in non-English language).
DETROW: ...Yodeling from Switzerland. That is music professor and yodeling teacher Nadja Rass, singing with her students. Though yodeling is sung in other countries like Austria and Germany, it was Switzerland that pursued the cultural designation from UNESCO. Their inclusion must be (singing) music to their ears.
RASS AND UNIDENTIFIED STUDENTS: (Yodeling in non-English language). Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
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