Swiss German (Schwitzerdütsch, Schwyzerdütch, Schwitzertüütsch, Schwizertitsch) refers to the Alemannic dialects spoken in Switzerland. In 17 of the 26 Swiss cantons, German is the only official language: Aargau, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft, Glarus, Luzern, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Schaffhausen, Schwyz, Solothurn, St. Gallen, Thurgau, Uri, Zug, Zürich.
(©wikipedia, Savoyerli) The Suisse romande or Romandie is the French speaking part of western Switzerland. It inlcudes the cantons of Fribourg, Geneva, Jura, Neuchâtel, western Valais, Vaud and the northern part of Berne (cfr. Jura Bernois or the Bernese Jura).
Some people don’t know that Switzerland is multilingual. I’ve often been asked if I was able to talk „Swiss“, as I’ve lived there for a long time. Even if this kind of comment seems funny to those who live in or close to Switzerland, it is quite a […]
This is the first post of a series called „Switzerland“, where I will write about the multilinguality, interesting facts and habits of this country. I will start with the name of Switzerland. It often happens that people ask me where the name of Switzerland comes from. Especially those […]
About the Swiss tradition of Samichlaus (and San Nicolao) In addition to my former articles about Sinterklaas in the Netherlands, I would like to suggest the brilliant description about the Swiss tradition of Samichlaus (and San Nicolao) on the blog expatwithkids.blogspot.nl.
When you live in a multicultural family and context, there are moments where you have to decide which festivity (or holiday) you want to celebrate with your family, extended family, friends etc. During this time of the year, there are a few traditions that seem very different, but […]
