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| Of course they fail to provide an English option. This isn't an English speaking country! The languages they speak here are the languages of the land, and we cannot expect the Swiss to constantly bow to our demand for English. Living here, it is our responsibility to learn at least some of the local lingo - or have a translator who does - than demand all businesses/services/government offices provide English information.
That said, it is excellent customer service to provide English websites and info - but I won't ever demand it. I don't feel it is my right to, English is not an official language of this country.
Of course, if an English option is offered, I do usually use it as it is less thinking for me than taking the time to read slowly a German version. I never take it for granted, and am always grateful that English is provided when it is. | |
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Forgetting the rights and wrongs of the matter I was simply pointing out that it would improve Switzerland's GLOBAL competitiveness if English was a little more widely available as a language option. Not only for the British, Americans, Irish, Canadians, South Africans, New Zealanders and Australians here but also for the many many other nations for whom English is the standard second language e.g. Indians.
Of course romantically & emotionally Switzerland will always be associated with French/German/Italian but to stick purely to these three languages in contracts/marketing material/letters will undoubtedly impact negatively on Switzerland's competitiveness versus other international competitors, offering widespread English and offering similar low taxation advantages.