Why is Dutch an official language of Belgium?

In Belgium efforts were made to give Dutch equal status with French, which had assumed cultural predominance during the period of French rule (1795–1814). In 1938 Dutch was made the sole official language of the northern part of Belgium.

When did Flemish become official language?

Flemish was introduced into the administration and courts of the Flemish areas, and in 1898 it became the second official language of the country. In 1930, after a long struggle, Flemish became the sole language of instruction at the University of Ghent.

Why does Belgium not have its own language?

These languages are not spoken everywhere, because Belgium is subdivided into federated states. Each federated state has its own official language. Only the Brussels-Capital Region is bilingual. However, more and more residents in our country are multilingual and speak the two most important national languages.

Why Dutch is called Dutch?

Over time, English-speaking people used the word Dutch to describe people from both the Netherlands and Germany, and now just the Netherlands today. The word Holland literally meant “wood-land” in Old English and originally referred to people from the northern region of the Netherlands.

Is Flemish an official language of Belgium?

Dutch is the official language in Belgium. French-speakers often pejoratively call the Dutch language used by Flemings Flemish but it is Dutch nevertheless. The Flemish tend to use it to refer to the various dialects of Dutch spoken in Flanders.

Why did Belgium and the Netherlands split?

Although his policy was beneficial to the Belgian bourgeoisie, there was protest. The Catholics objected against the interference of the protestant king in clerical matters. Following this rising Belgium separated from the Northern Netherlands. A provisional government declared independence on October 4th, 1830.

What is the difference between Flemish and Belgian Dutch?

Flemish (Vlaams), also called Flemish Dutch (Vlaams-Nederlands), Belgian Dutch (Belgisch-Nederlands [ˈbɛlɣis ˈneːdərlɑnts] ( listen)), or Southern Dutch (Zuid-Nederlands), is any of the varieties of the Dutch language dialects spoken in Flanders, the northern part of Belgium, as well as French Flanders and the Dutch Zeelandic Flanders by

What language do they speak in Belgium Besides Dutch?

Belgian-Dutch is the variant of the Dutch language as used in Belgium, and differs from Standard Dutch by an accent and some typical word choices. The most spoken Dutch dialects in Belgium are West Flemish, East Flemish, Brabantian and Limburgish.

Do Dutch speakers in Flanders still speak French?

Knowledge of French as a second language among Dutch speakers in Flanders is decreasing, especially to the benefit of English. In Flemish education, as opposed Dutch in Wallonia, French is still a compulsory second language. In schools in Wallonia, Dutch is often offered only as an option, and as such it must compete against English.

What is the difference between Standard Dutch andbelgian Dutch?

Belgian Dutch differs from Standard Dutch in terms of accent and vocabulary. The most spoken Dutch dialects in Belgium are West Flemish, East Flemish, Brabantian and Limburgish.