Do you agree that the multi-lingual policy in Swiss schools helps to create the Swiss identity? Explain your answer.

The first 200 words of this essay...

b) Do you agree that the multi-lingual policy in Swiss schools helps to create the Swiss identity? Explain your answer. [13m]

Switzerland has a largely immigrant population. It is made up of people of many different nationalities who speak many different languages. It is divided into four language regions for German, French, Italian and Romansh-speaking people. Pupils are taught at least three languages. They are required to learn English, their own ethnic language and at least another language of the federation. The official teaching language depends on the official language of the region. This is to preserve and promote the national languages of each territory. The second national language is taught to promote understanding among different language groups. English functions as a link between the different language-speaking people, breaking down language between people. All these help to create the Swiss identity. They are able to communicate easily with other Swiss. Through the learning of another language of the federation, pupils gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the language and the people speaking that language. Ultimately, the Swiss live harmoniously together despite their many differences.

Another way in which the Swiss identity is created in pupils is