You do not mention the make/model - which might help a bit...
Here's a link to a circuit shematic drawing of a US 120V ceiling fan -
http://www.electrical-forensics.com/CeilingFans/HongSui-Fan/HongSui-Fan-Sch-LG.jpg
which may be useful.
As I read the drawing it seems that as long as Live goes to the right terminal on the switch - the other wires could be placed anywhere without harm - just that the speed change would not be progressive - and that might be easily solved.
Good luck... Take care...
Peccavi
February 2010