Nicoletta Mariolini, Federal Delegate for Plurilingualism

Photo Nicoletta Mariolini

In Switzerland, all areas of activity are linked directly or indirectly to the history of plurilingualism. The closer the area of activity is to the public sector, the stronger that link is.

The formation and development of the Federal Administration illustrates the formation and development of Switzerland itself. Consequently, the Federal Administration has to nurture the roots of national cohesion by investing in the linguistic capital of its employees and by valuing that of all the territorial entities.

To this end, the Federal Administration adapts itself to the linguistics minorities, and not the other way around. However, history has shown that this process does not happen spontaneously. It is thus essential to promote, support and strengthen the linguistic minorities by means of accompanying measures based on forward-looking legislation.

The Languages Act and the Languages Ordinance constitute the foundation for these accompanying measures. They look beyond the difficulties to the future and give a fresh impetus to plurilingualism both within the Federal Administration and outside it.

Within the scope of the policy to promote plurilingualism, the delegate monitors the application of the law and supports the Federal Council, the Federal Departments and the administrative units in the performance of their tasks. Proximity to even the remotest regions plays a key role in this regard. That is why the delegate for plurilingualism also works together with the cantonal entities and national bodies which deal with the promotion of plurilingualism.

Further information

Contact

Nicoletta Mariolini
Bundesgasse 3
3003 Bern
+41 58 462 64 35
plurilingua@gs-efd.admin.ch

https://www.plurilingua.admin.ch/content/plurilingua/en/home.html