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It started off as a mostly Dutch country but then the French captured what is now the seat of the European Union and Belgium's capital city. Given the relevance of Brussels it shouldn't surprise anyone that the surrounding communities switch to French as well, no?
What about Luxembourg? Do they speak a lot of French?
Let's say that 2/3 of the territory and the capital is French-speaking, so yes French is important , but the 1/3 remaining , Flemish, is more densely packed and is not ready to give up its language anytime soon.
French lost their position, once it was dominant language of Belgium and Wallonia was the richer part, today Flanders is richer part, larger part and don ´t forget immigration, so many foreign people with different languages, actually French position is much weaker than ever. Look at language statistics, now more people know English than French in Flanders.
Btw Brussels is special case, yes it is located in Flanders, mostly French speaking city, but it is basically global/EU city with very high share of foreigners so not exactly sign of French position in Belgium.
Let's say that 2/3 of the territory and the capital is French-speaking, so yes French is important , but the 1/3 remaining , Flemish, is more densely packed and is not ready to give up its language anytime soon.
Yeah Wallonia is bigger than Flanders but Flanders is more densely populated. It's 40% French speaking against 60% Dutch in terms of population but Dutch used to be more spoken in the past, about 80% or so spoke Dutch in the early 20th century.
Most immigrants speak French and the Flemish are worried about French speakers taking jobs and buying properties in Flanders.
Brussels is a French speaking enclave within Flanders and they are also worried the Flemish areas surrounding it might experience yet another language shift.
Some serious stuff going on in Belgium to be honest. To me, it is heading towards a francization process. The French are exceptional at spreading their language, look at how West Flemish faded away in France.
Wallonia should just merge with France and get it over with.
Brussels is in Flanders, though and France has a chance to make Belgium French-speaking via Brussels. It wouldn't be a smart move to merge with Wallonia.
Brussels is in Flanders, though andFrance has a chance to make Belgium French-speaking via Brussels. It wouldn't be a smart move to merge with Wallonia.
"France" isn't doing anything internally in Belgium. Belgian francophones... sure.
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