The weather in the Goms
Unique, endearing and warm-hearted
The land and its people
I tend to be a bit reserved. The fast-paced, hectic life just isn’t really my style. I know from experience that nature will always have the last word. I’ve lived from what the land of the Goms has provided, and I’ve protected this land. When you first come across me, my language may sound a bit harsh, but once I know you a little better, you’ll find yourself enveloped in my heartfelt warmth. I come from the Goms, and I welcome you.
Like the Valais dialect, the language of Goms is a highly Alemannic language. The remoteness of the Valais has meant that the dialect has changed little over the centuries and has retained its idiosyncrasies. This is particularly true of Goms. In addition, many words from French and Italian have become naturalised. The Goms people are proud of their language and are quick to react somewhat indignantly when its incomprehensibility is criticised.
What sounds rough but likeable at first is difficult for non-Gommerans to understand, even on second hearing. With a little practice and the good will of the people to speak a little slower, however, nothing stands in the way of good understanding. In an emergency, the Fendant (white wine from the Valais) helps communication along. Twenty years ago, almost every Upper Valaisian could be identified by his or her dialect. Today, the various regional dialects are converging among the young and words from High German are being seamlessly adopted into the dialect.
Nevertheless, a few words for the sake of better understanding between peoples:
- embrüff and embrii: up and down
- emüäche and emab: up and down
- ämi(che) and ämüs: in and out
- dorfä: to talk to each other
- Hopschel: frog
- Lattüechji: lizard
- Maanet: month, moon
- Meijä: flower
- mojini: figures
- siente: sometimes
- summi: some/some
- Langse: Spring
- Hewwet: July
- Bisch-mes?: Can you make it?
- es Gufer: a stone
- en Schutz: a while