The battle in schools about language learning has flared up again.
Languages are taught early in Switzerland. The first foreign language is taught in the third grade and the second in the fifth grade.
Many teachers believe that’s too early and it’s overwhelming for the kids.
It’s also the official policy of the Liberal Party, which believes children should have a better knowledge of their primary national language before bringing in any others.
Many primary schools across the country have English as the first foreign language taught – and then another national language as the second.
But others insist languages are essential for national cohesion and insist a second national language should be prioritised over English.
Four organisations, including the Forum for Bilingualism, say the trend to put English above a national language is a threat to the federal state.
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