On International Mother Language Day Basel Swiss Dialect with Silvia Gallacchi

Baseldytschibihni and the Basel Dialect: Theater, Translation, and Swiss Multilingualism The episode marks International Mother Language Day (February 21) by exploring multilingualism in Switzerland and the cultural role of Swiss German dialects, focusing on Basel's dialect theater company Baseldytschi Bihni. We interview Board Member and long-time actress Silvia Gallacchi in English and discusse dialect expressions, the company's origins in 1892, its evolution from German-language recitations to Basel dialect productions, and its volunteer-driven model. Silvia explains the impact of receiving the 53rd Prix Schappo in late 2024, which brought increased visibility and new passive members rather than prize money. She describes how the theater finances productions through voluntary collections, annual passive memberships, and notes the member magazine "Dr Lalli," published four times a year. The conversation covers the rehearsal and performance schedule (around 50 shows annually), the focus on comedies over crime themes, the troupe's "big family" culture, and the process of adapting plays by translating German versions of works from international authors into Baseldytschi, including challenges when direct translations don't exist and the need to modernize outdated portrayals. Silvia also discusses linguistic features and influences on the Basel dialect, how dialect changes across generations, and the broader presence of amateur dialect theater across Switzerland, with her advice that learning a foreign language is key for integration even if one doesn't learn dialect.  Subscribe to Audio Story With Ajita: Podcast ( Spotify | YouTube | Apple ) About Audio Story With Ajita: Audio Story With Ajita is a bi-weekly, English-language, podcast that delivers daily news from Basel, Switzerland. It covers a wide range of topics, including politics, arts, culture, mobility, health, travel, and more. The daily Audio Story aims to provide listeners with news that impacts their daily lives. Beyond news delivery, The Glocal also functions as a news network and content creation media house. Its weekly english language newsletter 'Neighbourhood News' collaborates with local publications, print neighborhood newspapers and magazines, and websites to bring its readers verified and authentic news. The newsletter is designed to be quick and easy to read, allowing readers to catch up on the week that was and plan for the week ahead. Every Thursday at 10 a.m., Neighbourhood News is delivered straight to your inbox, providing you with the news you need to stay informed and make informed decisions for the week ahead. The Glocal's mission is to eliminate language barriers and facilitate connections between readers-listeners as human beings, coexisting in Switzerland. It aspires to be a bridge between so many beautiful metaphorical islands that exist in the country, bringing people, cultures, and stories closer than before. Stay updated with more conversations from in and around Switzerland. Follow 'Audio Story With Ajita' wherever you get your podcast: ( Spotify | YouTube | Apple ) Subscribe to Neighbourhood News Visit The Glocal