Bern’s Bilingual Classes under Fire: Critics Demand Reversal of Closure Decision
Critics Argue Against the Shutdown
A coalition of eight organizations advocating for bilingualism and intercultural dialogue has expressed deep concern over the shutdown of Bern’s bilingual classes. The groups, including the Forum for Bilingualism and Bern Bilingue, contend that the move sacrifices a functioning educational project and fails to respect Bern’s intercultural cohesion.
Bern, as the federal city housing key institutions such as the Federal Council and Parliament, is seen as a symbol of Switzerland’s multilingual identity. The organizations argue that the visibility and use of French in Bern are essential and should be maintained.
Bilingualism: More Than Just a Luxury
Bilingualism, according to these critics, is not a luxury but a vital component of cultural wealth and educational advantage. Writing in a joint statement, they assert that the decision should be suspended and the project consolidated.
The City of Bern launched its bilingual classes in 2019, aiming to promote bilingual education. However, the program is set to end in 2026 due to what officials describe as professional, organizational, and financial challenges.
listes at the Cantonal Level
At the cantonal level, efforts are ongoing to support bilingual education across all communities. Ursina Anderegg, a member of the City Council, defended the decision in parliament, noting that the city’s attempts to offer bilingual education under the current framework were not successful. In response, a broad initiative aims to adjust framework conditions to facilitate bilingual classes in all communities, reducing dependency on individual municipalities.
Meanwhile, a petition demanding a reconsideration of the decision has garnered significant support, highlighting the diverse views within the community. The response from the Bern Government Council is awaited.
Evergreen Context: The necessity of Multilingualism
In a multilingual country like Switzerland, promoting bilingualism is crucial. Bilingual education not only enhances language skills but also fosters cultural understanding and adaptability. Studies show that children who grow up in bilingual environments exhibit superior cognitive abilities and are more culturally sensitive.
Furthermore, bilingualism offers numerous career opportunities in a globalized world. The demand for multilingual professionals continues to rise, making the preservation of such educational programs a strategic investment in the future workforce.
