In a landscape where languages often shape the cultural fabric of a nation, Switzerland is experiencing a linguistic shift that echoes back to ancient roots. Among the diverse linguistic tapestry, both English and Albanian are making significant strides, with Albanian emerging as a potent force, tracing its lineage back over 6000 years, according to scientific findings.
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| Chart of languages spoken in Switzerland, March 17, 2024, source |
Official figures from Bern, citing data from the Federal Statistical Office (OFS) in Neuchatel, reveal a notable trend. English, as the primary language, is advancing steadily, even supplanting Italian on the podium of the most spoken languages in the country.
The Albanian language, revered as one of the oldest in the world, is garnering considerable attention in Switzerland. The Federal Statistical Office has recently reported a groundbreaking shift: for the first time in over a decade, more people in Switzerland speak Albanian than Portuguese.
Swiss authorities (OFS) affirm that Italian is no longer the third most spoken language in Switzerland; it has been dethroned by English. However, the linguistic conquest doesn’t halt there. English itself faces competition from the Albanian language, as reported by Le Canton27.ch.
Christoph Freymond from the Federal Statistical Office stated, “The number of Albanians has significantly increased compared to other communities. Hundreds of them are naturalized every year, thus obtaining Swiss passports.”
According to the Federal Office, over 300,000 Albanian-speaking individuals reside and operate in Switzerland, predominantly hailing from Kosovo. Among them, 200,000 are from Kosovo, 70,000 from North Macedonia, 20,000 from the Presheva Valley, and fewer from Albania and Montenegro.
Authorities reveal that over 100,000 Albanians have been naturalized and now hold Swiss passports.
The surge in Albanian speakers signifies more than just a demographic change. It's a testament to the enduring power of language, echoing back millennia to a time when words were first woven into the fabric of human civilization. As Switzerland navigates this linguistic transformation, it embraces the rich tapestry of cultures and histories that shape its identity, with Albanian emerging as a vibrant thread in the intricate weave of Swiss society.