Language use: multilingualism

SDG 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

Goal description and MONET principles
«[…]To […] build more peaceful and inclusive societies and in recognition of the fact that the proper functioning of society and its ability to survive are largely based on the solidarity of its members, exchange and understanding between individuals, groups, people of different ages as well as social and political participation should be promoted (principles 5a and 5b).»

Significance of the indicator
The indicator shows the proportion of the permanent resident population aged 15 or over who regularly uses at least two languages at home, at work and in places of education. Languages that are not national languages (e.g. English, Portuguese and Albanian) are also taken into consideration.

Multilingualism is a typical feature of Switzerland. The national languages – German, French, Italian and Romansh – are anchored in the federal Constitution. The promotion of multilingualism, the encouragement of understanding and dialogue between the linguistic communities are fundamental principles of language policy in Switzerland. Language skills are important to experience Switzerland’s cultural diversity and to strengthen the country’s internal cohesion. A knowledge of different languages – not only the national languages but also English – is an important element in the Swiss economy’s human capital.  An increase in the population's multilingualism is, therefore, positive for sustainable development.

International comparability
This indicator cannot be compared at international level.