Belgian French (French: français de Belgique) is the variety of French spoken mainly in the French Community of Belgium, alongside related minority regional languages such as Walloon, Picard, Champenois and Lorrain (Gaumais). French was earlier extensively used also in Flanders, especially by the region's Francophone upper classes, and its usage has decreased primarily because of the efforts of the Flemish Movement and the rise of English as a popular alternative. The role of French remains a controversial topic in Flanders, especially concerning the municipalities with language facilities. French is nonetheless a commonly known second language in Flanders. Belgian French and the French of northern France are almost identical, but there are a few distinct phonological and lexical differences.
Read more about Belgian French: History, Influences, Phonology, Vocabulary, Grammar
Famous quotes containing the words belgian and/or french:
“This fat pistache of Belgian grapes exceeds
The total gala of auburn aureoles.
Cochon! Master, the grapes are here and now.”
—Wallace Stevens (1879–1955)
“Justice has its anger, my lord Bishop, and the wrath of justice is an element of progress. Whatever else may be said of it, the French Revolution was the greatest step forward by mankind since the coming of Christ. It was unfinished, I agree, but still it was sublime. It released the untapped springs of society; it softened hearts, appeased, tranquilized, enlightened, and set flowing through the world the tides of civilization. It was good. The French Revolution was the anointing of humanity.”
—Victor Hugo (1802–1885)