Archives de
Tag: Switzerland

Language war in Switzerland

Language war in Switzerland

Switzerland has 4 official languages : German, French, Italian and Romansh. Traditionaly, the first foreign language taught at school was a national language, German for the french part and French for the german part. But this situation is going to change.

French, English or both? Zurich is the latest canton to decide on whether to teach just one foreign language at primary schools. Pupils in the canton currently learn English from age seven and French from age 11, both during primary school. Backers of the initiative argue that if instructors carefully introduce just one language at the primary level, students will learn a second one faster in secondary school.

The vote comes at a time of increased debate in German-speaking Switzerland over how many languages should be taught to young pupils.
An emotional factor is whether international English should take precedence over the Swiss national language French, traditionally taught for reasons of national cohesion. This meant German-speakers were expected to learn French and vice versa. In French-speaking Switzerland, German is still taught before any other foreign languages.

Waterfall of the Dard in winter

Waterfall of the Dard in winter

The waterfall of the Dard is 19 meter hight. This little river has a particuliarity. The water can flow into the Mediterranean and the North Sea. You can go to the waterfall from Romainmoutier or Croy (15mn) or from La Sarraz (1 hour walking).  The name of Dar cames form celtic language. Dar means river that makes waterfall.

In winter after days with temperature below zero degree it is a spendid spectacle that we can see. You can admire iciles at the left and right of this canyon.

A beautiful waterfall hidden in the Swiss countryside near Croy, VD. It’s somewhat difficult to find, though. You have to walk through some thick forest that sometimes resembles a jungle.


Icicles
Icicles



View Larger Map

Zinal

Zinal

Zinal (Switzerland) is one of those places you admire. Whether you come for a relaxing family holiday or to conquer its mountains, ski pistes or unspoilt slopes, your verdict will be the same: Zinal is truly invigorating ! An abundance of nature, infinite sporting opportunities, historical sights, children’s activities … and above all, the mountains on your doorstep, for a holiday that has a real feeling of purity.

Chexbres and Geneva lake

Chexbres and Geneva lake

Chexbres is located at 565 m, 12 km east-southeast of the capital of the canton of Lausanne. The village covers an area east of the Forestay river, in Lavaux, a scenic location about 200 m above the lake level of Lake Geneva.

C3Lausanne discovering

C3Lausanne discovering

This 1st of January, it is sunday and there is no service at our church. This is the good oportunity to visit a church I have never been before. C3Church at Lausanne this is  c3lausanne Palais Beaulieu.  5PM there is a special new year service. We arrive on late on a dark room.

 

In this full of people room with 600 seats, it is like a show. C3 I already lookt at the website c3lausanne.ch  to see what kind of church it was. The site is morden and give impression of a well organised organisation. The word that I used ot give ‘worship church’ does not match because there is not a lot of worship songs. The pastor talk a lot in french and a someone translate in english.  This is maybe a church for expat who does not understand french very well.

I have the impression that english is not only for the translation but the whole concept of the church has english influence.

The pastor is very dynamic. Youth people give testimony from what the lives in the camps ‘Power camp’. They look very motivated and enthousiat.

The sermon is about psalm 90. All is very biblical about time that pass very quickly.

Teach us to number our days,     that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

establish the work of our hands.

This is the wish that he is doing for the assembly. The service ends with prayers for those who wants.

That is C3 a church where the most important tool is not a Bible but the torch of your smartphone.. C3 is a church for english speaking people. C3 seems to be very dynamic and attracts people.

That was my first impressions.