Plurilingualism policy requires “commitment, drive and stamina”

Bern, 02.03.2016 - Yesterday, on the occasion of the visit of Graham Fraser, Canada's Commissioner of Official Languages, to Bern, the Federal delegate for plurilingualism, Nicoletta Mariolini, and Parliamentary Services organised the debate "Plurilingualism policy – a public policy the same as any other?". “Switzerland has little in terms of raw materials, but for our country, plurilingualism is a national cement that binds us all together", according to Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer.

The development of plurilingualism in the Federal Administration is highly dependent on what else is done to promote it throughout the country in all areas of activity and at all institutional levels. Moderated by François Grin (University of Geneva), Peter Knoepfel (IDHEAP, University of Lausanne) and Michele Gazzola (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin) discussed the evaluation of plurilingualism policy as a public policy.

Graham Fraser, Canada's Commissioner of Official Languages, referred to leadership as a key success factor for plurilingualism policy. “Firstly, there is political leadership. Administrative leadership is also important. If senior officials set the example in their relations with employees and in their messages by using the two official languages, if they show that usage of both languages is valued and that services are provided effectively in both languages, then the message sent to the organisation is quickly understood."

"Our country is founded on respect for minorities", said the President of the National Council, Christa Markwalder. "Language is an inherent part of our being. Having the ability to communicate in the language of our neighbours expands our internal territory and reinforces our own identity." For his part, Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer stressed that it takes "commitment, drive and stamina" to achieve the ambitious targets set in the Languages Act and Languages Ordinance. "It is a long-term endeavour. Our commitment must be constantly renewed." At the same time, "a balance has to be ensured between our national cohesion and the resources available" also when it comes to plurilingualism policy.

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