Helvet

Helvet - The History of Switzerland's Four National Languages

Helvet takes readers on a fascinating journey through linguistic history - from the Indo-European roots and Celtic and Roman influences to Switzerland's modern multilingual reality. At its heart lies Switzerland, a unique linguistic mosaic in the center of Europe, where German/Swiss German, French, Italian, and Romansh have coexisted for centuries.

Each language tells its own story:

Swiss German with its Alemannic roots,

French as the legacy of Gallo-Roman culture,

Italian as a bridge to the Mediterranean world,

Romansh as a precious relic of a nearly vanished era.

The book shows how languages are more than tools of communication - they are living witnesses of migration, culture, and history. With maps, historical context, and captivating anecdotes, Helvet brings the richness of Switzerland's linguistic landscape to life.

The work is rounded off by a comprehensive glossary of more than 1,300 carefully selected terms in five languages - German, Swiss German, French, Italian, and English.

This makes Helvet not only an engaging read but also a valuable reference for anyone interested in Switzerland's linguistic and cultural diversity.