German is the official language in Liechtenstein and is taught as the native language for most of the population at all schools. According to a census survey, 94.5 per cent of the population in Liechtenstein spoke German as their main language in 2010, 91.5 per cent in 2015 and 92 per cent in 2020. According to the 2020 statistics, 73 per cent spoke a Liechtenstein dialect, 12 per cent another German dialect and eight per cent High German.
The Alemannic dialect spoken in everyday life has sometimes been a topic of discussion. The dialects in Liechtenstein can be divided into three dialects: Lower Country dialect in the north, Upper Country dialect in the south, and Highest Alemannic Walser German in the southeast of the country. Those who only learn these dialects are not sufficiently prepared, according to official opinion. Those who want to integrate professionally need to have a good command of the written language. Language practice is needed to consolidate High German skills acquired in language courses. This is true of foreign nationals as well as the local population. On the one hand, Liechtenstein schools try to compensate for deficits by providing special instruction in “German as a second language”. On the other hand, initiatives have been taken by the authorities to motivate non-German-speaking residents to learn German.
Liechtenstein, like the European Commission, speaks out against racism and intolerance. At the same time, the government, authorities and Parliament in Liechtenstein are convinced that mastering the German language is an important tool to improve the integration of immigrants from non-German speaking regions. People from around 100 countries have brought a considerable linguistic, ethnic and cultural diversity to the country. When the share of foreign residents reached 39 per cent in 1995, the topic of “integration” also took on a new political dimension.
The government created the position of an Integration Officer in 2008 and adopted a comprehensive integration concept in December 2010, which resulted in the integration strategy 2021 (see 2.5.1). For one, multilingualism is seen as a valuable social asset. For another, language barriers are being broken down at all levels. Learning the German language is considered central to creating equal opportunities, and this is also enforced. Since 2008, foreign nationals wishing to acquire Liechtenstein nationality must demonstrate that they have mastered the German language and that they have basic knowledge of the legal order, structure of the state, history and culture of the country.
The “Liechtenstein Languages” (LieLa) initiative and the non-profit foundation of the same name were established in 2015. LieLa develops educationally valuable school materials and now instructs trainers not only in Liechtenstein, but also in Germany, Austria and Switzerland in the New Learning method of language teaching. It works for the Liechtenstein School Board and is generously supported by Prince Hans Adam II of Liechtenstein.
In addition, LieLa makes an innovative contribution to refugees, language and integration. So far, the trainers have assisted more than 10,000 migrants in their linguistic integration in German-speaking countries. Liechtenstein is funding a language learning programme for Syrian and Iraqi refugees in Turkey with CHF 1.1 million from 2020 to 2022. LieLa trains staff provided by the RET International NGO to become language teachers. Apart from the 2,136 refugees directly concerned, family members also benefit from the programme. The extensive project was presented at the first Global Refugee Forum in Geneva in December 2019 as one of Liechtenstein’s contributions to the Global Compact on Refugees.
In 1996/97, English was introduced as the first foreign language, starting at the third primary class level. Since 2010, English lessons have started from the first primary class level. The country of Liechtenstein additionally supports the International School Rheintal in the border triangle economic region of Liechtenstein, Eastern Switzerland and Vorarlberg/Western Austria. From kindergarten to the international baccalaureate, German-speaking and non-German-speaking children communicate in the English language. “Formatio”, the only private school in Liechtenstein, also offers a part of the instruction in the English language, while the Liechtenstein Waldorf School teaches English and French starting in grade one.
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