Shuvaseesh Das

I learned English as a second language in London and am currently learning German. I deeply respect Switzerland’s rich heritage and don’t take for granted the opportunities this country offers.

This petition isn’t about changing Switzerland but enhancing its global position by adding English as a complementary official language.

The motivation for this petition comes from personal experience.

Once at a train station. I noticed a vulnerable person on the train who needed immediate help. I called 117, but the officer didn’t speak English and couldn’t assist me. I then called the local police station, but they also didn’t speak English and told me I needed to go there in person. Desperate, I contacted the transport police, but again, no one could understand me. After three failed attempts, I sent an email explaining the situation. By the time I received a reply, half an hour later, the train had reached its destination, and it was too late to intervene.

Another incident involved a person under the influence of drugs trying to enter a building with a fake key. I stopped the individual and started a conversation, quickly realising they didn’t live there. I called the police, but they couldn’t understand English. I had to find someone local who could speak to the police in German. By the time we explained the situation, the person had already left.

As someone who previously worked as a Met Police Constable in London, I know how crucial effective communication is in emergencies. These experiences show the real challenges posed by the language barrier, not only in emergencies but also in daily life.

For instance, I want to further my education to support my family, but the local university courses are only available in German. This limits opportunities for people like me, who are eager to contribute more to society but face linguistic barriers.

Thank you for your support!