BERN, Switzerland – Language remains the biggest barrier to newcomers in Switzerland.

This was the consensus of a newly-formed alliance of Filipinos from the German-speaking parts of Switzerland.

German, French and Italian are the languages used here along with a minority speaking Reto-Romanish, although the use of English is growing.

But even those learning those languages are stumped with the widespread use of local dialects, with almost every major city here using its distinct dialect as the language in its streets.

Liza Lohr, a former president of the women’s group Samahang Pilipina, said that learning the language is the key to faster integration.

“When you learn the language, you are able to communicate with your neighbors and with others,” says Lohr, who has lived in Switzerland for 26 years.

No German

Lohr said she herself made a fundamental mistake when she decided to migrate to Switzerland.

“Back in the Philippines, I thought that Switzerland was an English-speaking country. So when I came here, I did not know a word of German. I went to a shop to buy something and asked in English, but they did not understand me,” she said.

Another woman leader said learning the language soonest can help ward off the loneliness and homesickness that comes with being a migrant.

“When newcomers go to German school, then they learn how to speak German. And that will improve their lives because they can communicate with people. Later, they can find a job,” said Evelyn Steiner, who has lived in Luzern for 37 years.

Support Group

The Philippine Integration Alliance in Switzerland, formed after meetings initiated by the Philippine Embassy here, will help newcomers find German classes or hire teachers for Filipinas. If necessary, they will persuade Swiss husbands to send their Filipinas wives to language school to facilitate integration.

The alliance will also assist new arrivals with social and organizational contacts to ease the impact of living in a new environment. “Oldtimers” can mentor newcomers in Swiss language and culture, while Swiss experts will be invited to talk on Swiss laws and regulations.

Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland Maria Theresa Lazaro meanwhile said the objectives of the alliance will easily find support from the Swiss government.

“The Swiss government also wants better integration. This group is now helping the Swiss government in their desire, but with a Filipino touch,” said Lazaro.

An estimated 15,000 Filipinos live and work in Switzerland, most of them in the main cities of Zürich, Geneva, Basel, Luzern and in the capital Bern.