Top languages students win Swiss Prize

The University’s top students in three of Switzerland's four official languages have been recognised at the Swiss Prize ceremony, held last night.

The prize, held annually by the Swiss Embassy and ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, calls for essay submissions written in French, Italian and German. More than 30 students participated in the competition this year, with the winning students receiving prize money and Swiss texts.

This year’s theme ‘Swiss exceptionalism: myth or reality’, asked students to explore the political, economic and cultural discussions in Switzerland and perceptions of the country’s identity in modern Europe.

Dr Jane Simpson, Head of the School of Language Studies, said Switzerland is a model for the world on how society-wide multilingualism can enrich a country and the lives of its citizens.

“Three of its four official languages (Italian, French and German) are taught in the School of Language Studies, and, as a linguist, I only wish it were possible to teach the fourth, Romansh, as well.”

“The Swiss prize encourages students not only to learn the languages, but to extend their understanding of the societies that speak the languages. This understanding is an integral part of studying languages at ANU and we are honoured and delighted by the Swiss Government's continuing support for our students."

At the ceremony Swiss Ambassador, Mr Daniel Woker, congratulated the winners on their achievements, and said that the prize is an exciting opportunity for the community to engage with Swiss issues of significance.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Young, spoke at the ceremony and thanked the Ambassador for their ongoing support of language and cultural learning for ANU students.

Listen to the speeches (MP3 43MB)

The prize winners this year are:
• Dominie Dessaix (1st prize, Italian)
• Samantha Shearman (2nd prize, Italian)
• Andrew Kourpanidis (3rd prize, Italian)
• Grace Lynn (1st prize, German)
• Matthew Mackay (2nd prize, German)
• Joanne Rogers (3rd prize, German)
• Jacqueline Edwards and Clare Mearns (1st prize, French)
• Heather Cook (3rd prize, French)