As language is certainly more than simply a means of communication, and is the expression of a culture, the relationship between language and politics is at the source of numerous conflicts, particularly in countries where several language communities with social inequalities, live side by side. This is reflected in extremely complex linguistic situations, especially in the border areas. Politics provides a response to all these processes. The strategies are well known: measures aimed at consolidating language dominance, protective laws for the benefit of the overshadowed language, including territorial boundaries, classification systems …
Far from being unique in this situation, Belgium nevertheless reveals some interesting specific characteristics. For more than a century, language policies were at the centre of all political debate in the country. The most divergent formulae were tested there, not always with the same degree of success. The result is a labyrinth of linguistic laws, which is certainly very original, but also very complex, and which is only understood a few specialists in the field. However, above all, Belgium took part in an extremely striking development: the prestigious language, French, progressively lost its dominant position there.
The authors of this historical survey endeavour to describe the different stages of this process in all its complexity. The first aim is to define this evolution in relation to the socio-political and cultural relationships in Belgium and the general linguistic and political strategies as they were, and have always been put into effect throughout the world.
Far from being unique in this situation, Belgium nevertheless reveals some interesting specific characteristics. For more than a century, language policies were at the centre of all political debate in the country. The most divergent formulae were tested there, not always with the same degree of success. The result is a labyrinth of linguistic laws, which is certainly very original, but also very complex, and which is only understood a few specialists in the field. However, above all, Belgium took part in an extremely striking development: the prestigious language, French, progressively lost its dominant position there.
The authors of this historical survey endeavour to describe the different stages of this process in all its complexity. The first aim is to define this evolution in relation to the socio-political and cultural relationships in Belgium and the general linguistic and political strategies as they were, and have always been put into effect throughout the world.
