Romansh

Romansh is a Romance language spoken chiefly in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. It is one of Switzerland’s four national languages and has several regional varieties.

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Sursilvan: Sursilvan is the largest Romansh variety, spoken in the Surselva region of Graubünden. It is the most widely spoken Romansh variety and has a substantial literary tradition.
Romanization of Raetia: Romanization of Raetia was the adoption of Latin language and culture in the Roman province of Raetia. Latin speech in the region became the foundation of Romansh.
Federal Constitution of Switzerland: The Federal Constitution of Switzerland is the country’s supreme legal framework. Its language provisions establish Romansh’s national status and regulate federal communication.
National languages of Switzerland: The national languages of Switzerland are German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Romansh’s national-language status places it alongside the country’s three larger languages.
Vallader: Vallader is a Romansh variety spoken in the Lower Engadine and Val Müstair. Its eastern regional use illustrates Romansh’s distinct local varieties.
Raetia: Raetia was a Roman province spanning parts of the eastern Alps and surrounding regions. Romansh emerged in an area shaped by Roman provincial rule.
Lia Rumantscha: Lia Rumantscha is an umbrella organization that promotes Romansh language and culture. It coordinates advocacy, cultural work, and language promotion across Romansh communities.
Official languages of Switzerland: The official languages of Switzerland are languages used by federal authorities under constitutional rules. Romansh has a narrower federal official role than German, French, and Italian.
Rumantsch Grischun: Rumantsch Grischun is a standardized written variety of Romansh created from several regional varieties. It provides a shared written standard across regions with different local forms.
Rhaetian language: Rhaetian is the name given to ancient languages attested in the central and eastern Alps before Roman rule. It predates Latinization but is not the source of Romansh’s Romance grammar.