Landesmuseum Zurich delves into the linguistic diversity of Switzerland
Four national languages, dialects, sign language and languages spoken by migrants - how we speak is political. In an exhibition, the National Museum in Zurich sends its audience on a journey through the Swiss linguistic landscape.
Switzerland, with all the languages that are spoken here, is complex. Not only today, but always. For example, the various Swiss German dialects shape everyday life from Basel to Appenzell to Brig. The linguistic composition in French-speaking Switzerland is completely different.
There are historical reasons for this. For example, in a statement on Wednesday, the Landesmuseum Zurich refers to the Reformation, which had a decisive influence on the development of languages. In Zurich during Zwingli's time, the Bible was written in 1524 in a written language that remained close to the spoken dialects of the region.
The reformers in western Switzerland, on the other hand, preferred the French of the upper classes in northern France for their writings, and precisely not the patois that people spoke in the streets. One result of this: In French-speaking Switzerland, regional dialects have largely disappeared; in German-speaking Switzerland, they are cherished.
More than just a means of communication
Or people who have come to Switzerland from countries like Portugal or Kosovo: They bring their languages with them, which sometimes become a hurdle in their new home. Or people who communicate via sign language: They run the risk of not being heard at all.
These examples show that languages are constantly changing, influencing each other and repeatedly becoming the subject of "repression, prohibition, romanticization, demarcation and mythicization," according to the communication. Keywords in this context are the Röstigraben, the Jura question, school English or youth language. The National Museum in Zurich has taken on this complex situation and invites visitors on a journey through the language country of Switzerland.
Visitors equipped with headphones move through the sound scenography. They are accompanied by the exhibition designer Julia Leitmeyer and Gérald, who is played by the comedian Vincent Kucholl from French-speaking Switzerland. In dialogues, the two convey the contents of the exhibition. On the tour, the audience also meets Patti Basler, Flavio Sala and Claudio Spescha, who make guest appearances.
The exhibition "Language Country Switzerland" can be experienced until January 14. The sound scenography was developed on the basis of game technology. And the script for the audio tour was written by Vincent Kucholl. (SDA)
