The word "jodl" is commonly used in Austrian folk music to describe a type of yodeling. Its spelling is unique due to its Germanic roots and the use of the letter "d" to represent the voiced dental fricative sound /ð/ in IPA phonetic transcription. This sound is commonly found in English in words such as "the" and "this," and is created by placing the tongue between the teeth and exhaling. The spelling of "jodl" accurately reflects the pronunciation of the word and helps to preserve its cultural significance.
The word "jodl" is derived from the German term "Jodeln". The etymology of "Jodeln" can be traced back to the early 19th century in the Alpine regions of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is believed to have originated from the word "jalen" or "yodeln", which means "to call" or "to shout" in the Alemannic dialect spoken in these areas. Over time, "jodeln" came to refer to the traditional singing style characterized by rapid alternation between chest and falsetto voices. The word "jodl" is commonly used in English to refer to this unique vocal technique.