Throughout the world, many countries have adopted an official language to be spoken within their region, Belgium is no different. Home to three official languages and a dozen regional dialects the official languages spoken by most people in Belgium are Dutch, French, and German. Belgium, for one, has the highest rate of bilingual residents with an added third tongue as well. Examining closely, about 55% of people speak Dutch as their native tongue and 16% speak it as a second language. French is spoken by about 36% of people as a native tongue and about half as a second language. On the other hand, German is most often spoken as a second language by about one-quarter.
Within each language, there are regional dialects of all three official languages. For example, Dutch dialects: East Flemish, West Flemish, Brabantian, and Low Dietsch. – French dialects: Walloon, Champenois, Lorrain, and Picard. – German dialects: Ripuarian, and Moselle Franconian.
With Belgium being a multilingual country, it is no doubt that many residents hardly have any troubles communicating with each other, even being from a different region. But like with most international issues, Belgium has adopted a lingua franca. For most of Belgium’s history, those who have a different mother tongue than others and have found themselves not being able to communicate with others has adopted French as their lingua franca. But over time as English has become more popular, Belgium later recognized English as their lingua franca to be able to communicate effectively. From a personal standing, using English as my lingua franca in Belgium would provide a common language to engage in dialogue, exchange ideas, and collaborate with other locals effectively.
Learning even a few basic phrases of the local language when visiting a new country not only helps you navigate daily interactions more smoothly but also shows respect for the local culture and creates opportunities for meaningful connections with the people you meet. Belgium is a linguistic mosaic with three official languages: Dutch (Flemish), French, and German. Here are some basic phrases to help you navigate each region:
Among most of these words, Pouvez-vous m’aider was perhaps the hardest to pronounce, at least for me because there are so many different sounds that each word makes that doesn’t really correspond to how it is written. For example, the “ou” has a rounded vowel sound, and its tight like “oo”. Also, the “ez” at the end of Pouvez is pronounced like “ay”.
Majority of these words are important to learn before traveling to another country because it forms basic communication as it helps navigate through everyday situations. Of course, such words like “please” and “thank you” offer politeness and respect towards others, as phrases like “can you help me” or “I don’t understand” can be helpful if ever an emergency. Many of these words just offer a positive impression which can lead to more meaningful interactions.
As the world keeps advancing so does technology. Today, technology has made life different, for better or for worse. The constant changes around technology have made us interpret and understand language in a new way.
Today, there are multiple web pages written in one language but can be interpreted by another. For example, here is a short synopsis of a blog all about Belgium and it is written entirely in French:
Original: "La
magnifique Grand Place est l'un des ensembles urbains les plus inoubliables au
monde. Curieusement cachée, la place pavée fermée n'est révélée que lorsque
vous entrez à pied dans l'une des six ruelles étroites. Le point focal est
l'hôtel de ville du 15ème siècle magnifiquement spired, mais chacune des
fabuleuses corporations antiques a un charme propre. Les pavés ont été posés au
12ème siècle, quand il a été utilisé comme un marché; En effet, la place
accueille toujours un marché aux fleurs, en plus d'accueillir des stands de
Noël, des concerts et, tous les deux ans, un «tapis» éblouissant et coloré de
pétales de fleurs."
Translation: "The magnificent Grand Place is one of the world's most unforgettable urban ensembles. Oddly hidden, the enclosed cobblestone square is only revealed as you enter on foot from one of six narrow side alleys. The focal point is the magnificently spired 15th century town hall, but each of the fabulous antique guildhalls has a charm of its own. The cobblestones were laid in the 12th century, when it was used as a marketplace; indeed, the square still plays host to a flower market, as well as hosting Christmas stalls, concerts and - every two years - a dazzlingly colorful 'carpet' of flower petals."
Although majority of it is translated from French, I can’t help but notice that there are some similarities between French and other native languages, like for one English. For example, the word “magnifique” which translated to English is “magnificent”. So, despite this it’s easy to pinpoint that when reading something in a completely different language, it can be a lot easier to understand than most if you take the time and compare your native language to the one, you’re reading.
In all, the phrase, “language influences our view of reality” suggests that the words and how it is structured shape how people perceive and interpret the world around them. Language isn’t just a tool for communication but also a way to view an individual’s perspective and how to understand reality better. For instance, there are some languages that have unique words for concepts that don’t particularly exist in other languages, which can lead some speakers of those languages to experience or think about those concepts differently.
References:
https://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/belgium/language
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