The "quality of translations" issue is only a small part of the complex of problems opened up by the decision to make English the official language of teaching at the ETHZ. Like the other native speakers in this thread, I too see language problems looming that native Swiss apparently don't notice yet. I am skeptical about how this plan is to succeed unless there is a surge of recognition of the problem, and crash remedial programs, for instance, are begun.

In defence of Switzerland, one must remember that it has three official languages to contend with (+ RR) besides English, a state of affairs which apparently has drawn off teaching resources in schools that could have otherwise facilitated the current transition to English at the ETHZ.

Note: I am the moderator of the Environment and ICT Working Group, http://www.wsis.ethz.ch/