There is more motivation to learn English

Regina Fretz, Zurich canton

Education chiefs now want to introduce English lessons for eight and nine-year-olds, while keeping French at the 11-year-old age group.

The canton says the measure is justified because English is increasingly becoming the dominant language in both professional and personal circles.

But the decision has angered some in the French-speaking community - just under 20% of the population - which fears French lessons could be squeezed out altogether.

The daily newspaper Le Matin is reported to have accused the canton of "mad Zurich arrogance".

English first

But Regina Fretz - who is responsible for the school curriculum in the Zurich canton - said the press had over-reacted.

Ms Fretz stressed that French would continue to be taught in schools at the current age of 11.

"We don't say instead of French, we say both, but English first," she told BBC News Online.

Languages spoken in Switzerland

63.7% German 19.2% French 7.6% Italian 0.6% Rhaeto-Romanic 8.9% others

"Most parents prefer their children to learn English first and for the German-speaking community of Switzerland, it's probably easier to start with English.

"I think there is more motivation to learn English," she added.

Ms Fretz conceded that other cantons were likely to follow Zurich's lead if the proposal is accepted.

A final decision on the matter will be made by the Bildungsrat - the highest board of education in the canton of Zurich - by the end of the year.

If approved, the measures will be introduced at the start of the school year in 2003.

There are four national languages in Switzerland: German, French, Italian and Rhaeto-Romanic.

As far as federal affairs are concerned, the first three are considered the "official" languages.