The Romansh Language
12 October 2020
The Romansh language (Romontsch or Rumantsch in Graubünden, Romanisch in German-speaking Switzerland, le Romanche in French-speaking Switzerland) is only spoken in the canton of Graubünden. The expression Bündnerromanisch is often used.
Origins
The language originated from the Rhaetian language (spoken before and during Roman rule until the fifth century) and (vulgar) Latin. It developed after the Romans’ departure in the fifth century.
The language was shaped by Lombardian dialects, the Aleman (German) language, the immigration of (German-speaking) Walser, and French influences from Frank and Carolingian rulers.
The opening of Graubünden by tourism, railways, motorways, and the media in the nineteenth century made German the first language of communication in most regions and cities.
1938
In 1938, a referendum recognised Romansh as Switzerland’s fourth language. A large majority of citizens (80%) supported this.
The threats and intimidation by the German-speaking and Italian dictators had the opposite effect. The Swiss government and citizens made it clear that Switzerland was one and indivisible, regardless of language, religion or canton.
There was no sympathy for the German ‘Heim ins Reich‘ or the ‘irredentismo Italiano’ ideologies.
Al pievel romontsch
Romansh is the first language of around 60,000 inhabitants nowadays. They also speak German and Italian, the other two official languages of the (trilingual) canton.
Romansh has a long oral tradition dating back to the early Middle Ages.
The first known poem was written in 1527. In the (romantic) nineteenth century, the language became a source of scholarly and intellectual interest. Literature, newspapers, and writers systematically used it.
One of the most famous poems is the Al pievel romontsch (to the Romansh people) by Giachen Caspar Muoth (1844-1906):
Stai si, defenda Romontsch, tiu vegl lungatg, Risguard pretenda, Per tiu patratg!
Stand up, Romansh people, defend your old language and demand respect for your heritage.
Five main dialects
The language has five main dialects: Sursilvan is spoken in the Upper Rhine Valley (Vorderrheintal), Sutsilvan in the Lower Rhine area (Hinterrhein), Surmiran in the Albula Valley (Albulatal), Vaz/Obervaz and Val Ferrera, Putèr in Upper Engadin (Oberengadin) and Bergün, Vallader in Lower Engadin (Unterengadin), and (with differences) Münstertal. In addition, related dialects exist in Lombardy and Austria (Ladinisch and Friulian).
Rumantsch grischun
One unifying initiative is the so-called Rumantsch grischun, the unitarian Romansh language for administration and education. Although fewer people speak the language, it also has a global reputation.
Future
The term glacier comes from glatsch, which means ice. Recently, there has been increasing interest in this language.
And rightly so. Romansh is a unique and beautiful language, with a direct linguistic heritage stemming from the Rhaetian and Roman past.
Several organisations, initiatives and media are committed to preserving the Romansh language and culture.
(for example, www.romontsch.ch and www.liarumantscha.ch).