Swiss German Centre
The Poem
Juni
vom Shi Tao
Es blibt
es Läbe lang
Juni
Mis Härz isch gstorben im Juni
Mini Värse si gstorbe
Mi Liebi isch gstorbe
muusbeielei
in ere Glungge Bluet.
Juni
d Sunne zöislet uf minere Hutt
und i merken erst
wie gruusig die offnigi Wunden isch
Juni
es Fischli schwümmt
us em bluetrote Meer
dervo zum nöimen e Winter sueche
Juni
d Ärde gheit usenand
de Flüss verschlohts d Sproch
und si träge Hampfle vo Briefe durab
mit Adrässe vo Tote
Listen to the poem
Translated to Swiss German and read by Franz Hohler.
Franz Hohler offers a translation of "June" into one of the Swiss German dialects, namely the version spoken in the Canton of Berne. Swiss German is not a written language, it consists of dialects which differ audibly from region to region. Children start learning the German language as also used in Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein as the official and written language when starting primary school. At school German has to be spoken during all lessons.
Franz Hohler is a renowned Swiss author, poet and cabaret artist who has published numerous novels, children's stories, radio plays and regularly appeared on Swiss television with a satirical programme until he was censored. He is also known for his active commitment to human rights. Franz Hohler is a long time PEN member who regularly donates to the Emergency Fund or the Writers in Prison Committee.
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