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Parliament ready to intervene in language row

In 2004, cantonal educational ministers recommended that all children learn a second Swiss language plus English by the fifth year of primary school Keystone

A majority of Swiss politicians want the government or parliament to intervene against cantons that stop the teaching of a second Swiss national language at primary school level, a new poll has revealed. 

In a survey sent to 246 parliamentarians and carried out by public TV and radio, 62% of the 167 respondents said the federal authorities or parliament should intervene if a canton stops teaching a second Swiss national language at primary school. 

Over 80% of French- and Italian-speaking members of parliament support this measure, which has the backing of just over 50% of the German-speaking members polled.

Two-thirds of those questioned said national cohesion was threatened by stopping the teaching of French at primary school. Just under 4% said only English should be taught as a foreign language at primary school and 57% said a second national language together with English was the ideal combination.

Observers say the poll sends a clear signal rejecting the recent move by German-speaking canton Thurgau’s parliament to delay teaching French until secondary school. A similar decision was taken by canton Nidwalden. Other German-speaking cantons are considering following suit. 

Nidwalden supported an initiative launched by the Swiss People’s Party, arguing that primary school children cannot cope with two foreign languages and that German and science subjects are suffering as a result of the concentration on language teaching.

An educational commission for the French and Italian-speaking regions, says the trend threatens the cohesion of Switzerland. Many people in western Switzerland see it as a rejection of the French-speaking minority.

In Switzerland, the main responsibility for education and culture lies with the cantons. In 2004, cantonal educational ministers recommended that all children learn a second Swiss language plus English by the fifth year of primary school.  

The conference of cantonal education directors is currently trying to resolve the ongoing controversy. As a last resort the Swiss cabinet has the possibility of intervening in cantonal language issues.

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