Swiss Dialects: Not Just Spoken, But Written

Myths often persist due to lack of knowledge or sheer misinformation. One such myth is that the Swiss have a distinct 'Swiss language' without a written form. This is far from the truth, especially when considering the rich and diverse linguistic landscape of Switzerland. Let's delve into the reality of Swiss dialects and their written forms.

The Diverse Languages of Switzerland

There are four primary languages in Switzerland, often referred to as 'Swiss' languages:

Swiss German - spoken in the German-speaking part of the country. Swiss French - spoken in the western parts, closely related to standard French but with distinct dialects. Swiss Italian - spoken in the southern cantons, closely related to standard Italian. Romansh - spoken in the eastern canton of Graubünden, with official recognition and written form.

Each of these languages, along with their dialects, uses the Latin alphabet and includes 'twiddly bits' or accents, making them unique and distinct from their standard counterparts.

Swiss German: Not Lacking in Written Forms

Contrary to popular belief, Swiss German, often referred to as 'Swiss German' or 'Schwyzerdütsch', does indeed have a written form. It is present in various contexts, from everyday writing to official documents and even supermarket signs.

For example, in the newly renovated Coop supermarket, one can see a sign stating 'Hopfe u Mauz vo Brn bis Brooklyn', which is a colloquial version of 'Hopfe und Malz von Bern bis Brooklyn', meaning 'Hops and malt from Bern to Brooklyn'. While these dialects do not have official standard written forms, they are used frequently in unofficial contexts, such as during carnivals or at parties.

The Case of Fankhausgrabe

Consider the case of a map showing a hamlet called 'Fankhausgrabe'. In written form, it would be 'Fankhusgrabe'. The spelling can change based on the context and the scale one views it. For instance, at a larger scale, it would be 'Fankhusgrabe', but as one zooms in, it becomes 'Fankhus' with an 'n' at the end of 'grabe', reflecting the colloquial form 'Fankhus' used in spoken Swiss German.

Official vs. Colloquial Dialects

While Swiss German dialects do not have official written forms, they are still used extensively in unofficial contexts. Swiss French, for instance, is used in French-speaking areas and is taught in schools. Some dialects, like 'Brndütsch', are used in everyday life, but their use varies widely. This can lead to confusion and humor among speakers, as the author could attest from personal experience.

The confusion arises, in part, from the complex dialectal variation that exists within these languages. French-speakers in the Romandy region of Switzerland, for instance, are often obliged to study German in schools because it is an official language. Yet, when it comes to colloquial German, the standard used is often a specific dialect, such as 'Brndütsch', which can be quite different from standard German in spelling and pronunciation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the idea that the Swiss lack a written form for their languages is a misunderstanding. While there are no official standard written forms for all dialects, Swiss languages do have written forms, especially in unofficial contexts. The complexity and diversity of Swiss dialects make it a fascinating subject to explore and appreciate.