Belgium has two official languages: French and Flemish. These two language groups, though largely mixed throughout the country, are administratively divided into separate regions, one in the predominantly Flemish part of the country and one in the French part. Further complicating the matter is Brussels, which is officially bilingual, and a small German-speaking minority areas called Eupen and Saint Vith. Belgium has historically suffered from tensions and conflict between its language groups, primarily between Flemish and French speakers.
An article in Deutsche Welle reported what some small Flemish towns are doing to stop what they see as an encroachment by French speakers. In Rhodes-Saint-Genèse, town officials have forbidden people from purchasing houses unless they have a connection to the community, effectively forbidding the arrival of newcomers. Other towns have introduced less formal policies or even simple understandings among residents. The effects are still the same and the message is clear: French speakers are not wanted in these towns.
This article and news coming out of Belgium would suggest that tensions are extremely high between these two groups. In an article on ProZ.com, a database and discussion forum for translators and linguists, Maria Karra wrote that in her experience, people of different linguistic groups in Brussels often speak in English rather than force one person to speak the language of the other. English is seen as a neutral language and is sometimes preferred to a choosing between Flemish or French. This is despite the required multilingualism in Belgian schools. By the end of their secondary education, students will have studied two languages (the choices being French/Flemish, English, and German) in addition to their own. In Brussels, French students are required to study Flemish and Flemish ones French. It is interesting then that the choice of English seems to be because of political connotations rather than out of need. This clearly suggests at the association many people make between language, culture, and often politics.
The Belgian government recognizes the importance of language on their citizens' identities and has several policies in place that reflect this recognition. Since 1961, a language census has been forbidden in Belgium making it impossible to accurately gauge which language is dominant and where. Further, the government is set up to equally represent both language groups in various scenarios that are outlined in the Karra article. These scenarios switch between giving unrepresentative weight to French and Flemish at various levels of government. The overall result though, is that both groups seem to be well-represented and few language-preferential laws are able to pass.
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Jess, I find it pretty interesting that English is a "neutral" language in Belgium. I would think that of all the languages, English would be least preferred in Belgium (think of freedom fries).
ReplyDeleteHowever, the popularity of English lends itself well for diplomatic work (even though many countries object). What percent of the Belgian population speaks each language at home? Is the discrepancy very wide?
Choosing english as a "neutral" language seems to be a common theme in many tense political situations. Choosing one language over the other would tend to give more political power or credence to a certain ethnic group inevitably sparking more tension. Although I doubt that Belgium will dissolve into civil war it is a good idea to maintain an official language that everyone can agree on.
ReplyDeleteI think it's good that Belgium maintains its two official languages and actively encourages and promotes their use in the two populations. I understand that this can cause conflict among the people, but I think it is important to maintain the cultural identity of both groups. There would definitely be conflict if one language was encouraged over the other because then the other group would feel marginalized. Rightly so. Also, they should not make English their official language, though it is neutral, because English is not part of Belgium's heritage. Perhaps the custom could be encouraged to use English in interactions between native French and native Flemish speakers, but there should be no mandates.
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