SRF community backs stronger teaching of Switzerland’s national languages

Nearly seven in 10 respondents in an unrepresentative SRF «dialog» community poll want primary schools to intensify teaching of Switzerland’s national languages, SRF reported. Support was higher in French-speaking Switzerland, at 80%, than in German-speaking Switzerland, at 63%.

Many participants said learning the national languages was about more than schoolwork. One user, posting as «Chroniqueur Indépendant», called it essential to national cohesion and a way to access different cultures. Another, «Sentinelle Civique», said English opens up the world, while the national languages help children understand Switzerland.

Some respondents also argued that children find it easier to learn languages when they are young. «The multilingualism is Switzerland’s strength,» wrote «Jenni Green», adding that pupils in Ticino learn three languages by the end of compulsory schooling.

Others questioned whether national languages should take priority as English grows in importance. «Diskret Beitragende» predicted English would become the first language for young people, pointing to its use on social media. «Verblüffte Logografin» said some pupils spend years studying French but still cannot understand or speak it.

One user, «Black Mamba», proposed teaching English from primary school and letting pupils choose a national language from the second stage of secondary school, arguing that students need a global outlook to avoid being disadvantaged.