Language-use as a theme in German-language Swiss literature

Abstract

This article explores the treatment of the theme of language-use in germanophone Swiss fiction.1 I aim to show that the frequency with which this theme manifests itself in literature reflects a widespread interest in linguistic issues on the part of the German-speaking Swiss. The views on language expressed by literary characters discussed in this article are, in fact, no different from those voiced by the real-life Swiss - and most Swiss fiction is about Swiss characters. That the germanophone Swiss give so much attention to linguistic issues testifies to their sensitivity to the social function of language-use as well as to their respect for tradition. The ability to use language according to prescribed conventions is seen as more than merely desirable; it is recognized as a vital requirement of social cohesion and national identity. I conclude that the Swiss preoccupation with language has a political dimension. The unique linguistic situation of German-speaking Switzerland - that of a diglossic German-language community within a multilingual nation - is used by the germanophone Swiss as a means of asserting their individuality among other German-speaking populations.