The Swiss Guard is a small force responsible for the safety and security of the Pope and the Vatican City. Established in the early 16th century, this elite group is known for their colorful Renaissance-era uniforms, their dedication to the Holy See, and their unique language requirements. As the name suggests, the Swiss Guard is comprised of Swiss soldiers who have committed themselves to serving the Pope and the Church. With this in mind, one may wonder what language they use while on duty in the Vatican City.
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Official Language of the Vatican City
The official language of the Vatican City is Latin, an ancient language originating from the historical region of Latium in present-day Italy. As the official language of the Catholic Church, Latin is used for various religious documents and liturgical rites, although it is considered a dead language in many other contexts.
Swiss Guard’s Native Languages
The Swiss Guard is made up entirely of Swiss nationals, which means they come from Switzerland’s multiple linguistic regions: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Switzerland has four official languages, namely German (spoken by around 63% of the population), French (23%), Italian (8%), and Romansh (0.5%). Thus, as natives of these different linguistic areas, the Swiss Guards are often multilingual and capable of communicating in several languages, including their regional Swiss languages.
Primary Language of the Swiss Guard
The Swiss Guard’s primary language of communication is German, specifically the Swiss-German dialect. This is because the majority of Swiss Guards come from German-speaking regions of Switzerland. Swiss-German is a diverse family of dialects that differ significantly from Standard German in terms of pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. However, German as the primary language ensures effective communication and coordination among the guards on duty.
Other Languages Spoken by the Swiss Guard
In addition to Swiss-German, the Swiss Guards are required to learn and be proficient in Italian, as it is the most commonly spoken language in the Vatican City and the primary means of communication between the Vatican’s residents and staff. Therefore, Italian is crucial for Swiss Guards in their interactions with other Vatican personnel and clergy. Furthermore, as the Swiss Guard often interfaces with foreign visitors and dignitaries, many guards also possess a working knowledge of other languages such as English, Spanish, and French.
In conclusion, the Swiss Guard’s primary language is Swiss-German, with Italian being an essential element of their communication in the Vatican City. Their linguistic abilities also often extend to other languages like English, French, and Spanish, given their interaction with international visitors and officials.
