While it’s well-known Switzerland has four official languages – that doesn’t extend to the different dialects of Swiss German.
The House of Representatives in Bern has voted to ban speeches in Swiss German – speeches in German, should be in high-German, they say.
Swiss German is experiencing a revival as the young are using it more – especially on social media.
Some parliamentarians pointed out that there is such a thing as Swiss-French, but French speakers use standard French in parliament.
There are worries if several different dialects were used in parliament – it would make life more difficult for the interpreters, who would have to have a knowledge of all the variations.
Heat to stay for now
Growing anger over World Cup red card
Fire damages trees in the Jardin Anglais
Cows sweltering in the heat
Lake Geneva nudists fight for their lake section
Holiday makers seek more than the sun
