On 1 August: What we polite, neutral Swiss say and what we really mean

Hectic swinging speeches by white, old men on green meadows give the idea that it is our Switzerland’s birthday again. For us this means: It’s high time for a bit of cultural translation work.
Jodok Meier

The clichés are familiar: Switzerland is neutral, clean, punctual, hardworking and gets its energy from consuming cheese and chocolate to the sound of alphorns and clockwork. All in a modest way, of course.

And of course, as an ‘affected person’ you are bothered by such clichés, you want to defend yourself against them, to prove the opposite. Why ever. That is why it is worth checking – especially on the birthday of the Swiss Confederation – What Real is said when we Swiss talk like that.

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Haris Seferovic, le joueur de l'equipe Suisse de football, arrives at the hotel for the preparation of the football match between La Suisse and Chypre on March 4 June 2013 at Mont-Pelerin.  (KEYSTONE...
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This article first appeared in 2019. Due to topicality, we have revised and republished it.

Jodok Meier
On 1 August: What we polite, neutral Swiss say and what we really mean


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Ross

Ross

I am Ross William, a passionate and experienced news writer with more than four years of experience in the writing industry. I have been working as an author for 24 Instant News Reporters covering the Trending section. With a keen eye for detail, I am able to find stories that capture people's interest and help them stay informed.

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