Flemish as a Spoken Language in Asia
Flemish, also known as Belgian Dutch, is a language spoken in the northern region of Belgium. However, it may come as a surprise to many that Flemish is also spoken in certain parts of Asia. While it is not as widely spoken as other European languages like English, French or Spanish, Flemish has an interesting history of influence and usage in the Asian continent. In this article, we will explore which Asian nations have Flemish as their spoken language, the origins and historical influence of Flemish in Asia, as well as its contemporary usage and role in Asian societies.
The Origins of Flemish in Asia
The presence of Flemish in Asia can be traced back to the colonial era, when Belgium was one of the European nations that established colonies in various parts of the continent. The most notable example is the Belgian Congo, which was a colony of Belgium from 1908 to 1960. Flemish was one of the official languages of the colony, alongside French and various African languages. As a result, Flemish-speaking Belgians migrated to the colony and established communities there, leading to the spread of Flemish language and culture in the region.
The Historical Influence of Flemish in Asia
Apart from the Belgian Congo, Flemish also had historical influence in other parts of Asia. For example, during the Dutch colonial era in Indonesia, Flemish was used as a lingua franca by the Dutch-speaking officials and traders who were in charge of commerce and administration in the region. Flemish was also taught in schools in Indonesia, especially in the Dutch-speaking enclaves. Similarly, in Taiwan, which was under Dutch rule in the 17th century, Flemish was used as a language of diplomacy and trade.
Contemporary Usage of Flemish in Asia
Today, Flemish is no longer used as widely in Asia as it was during the colonial era. However, there are still pockets of Flemish-speaking communities in the region, especially in former Belgian colonies like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Additionally, there are also some expatriate Belgians who live and work in other parts of Asia, such as Thailand and Vietnam, and who speak Flemish as their native language.
The Role of Flemish in Asian Societies
In the countries where Flemish is spoken, the language plays a significant role in the local culture and identity. For example, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Flemish is one of the four official languages, alongside French, Lingala, and Swahili. It is used in official documents, education, and the media, and is also spoken by a significant portion of the population. Similarly, in Rwanda, Flemish is taught in some schools as a foreign language, and is spoken by a small but active community of Flemish speakers.
Flemish Education and Cultural Institutions in Asia
There are a few institutions in Asia that offer Flemish language education and cultural programs. For example, the Belgian embassy in Thailand offers Flemish language courses for Thai residents who are interested in learning the language. In Vietnam, there is a Belgian-Vietnamese Alliance that promotes Flemish language and culture in the country. Additionally, there are also cultural events and festivals that showcase Flemish arts and cuisine, such as the Belgian Beer Festival in Japan.
Flemish Language Media and Publishing in Asia
While Flemish language media and publishing in Asia are not as widespread as those in Europe, there are still some examples of Flemish language publications and media outlets in the region. For instance, there is a Flemish cultural magazine called Dietsche Warande en Belfort that is distributed in Asia, and there are also some Flemish language books that are available in select bookstores in the region. Moreover, some Flemish language films have been screened in film festivals in Asia, such as the International Film Festival of Kerala in India.
Flemish Language Business and Trade in Asia
Flemish language business and trade in Asia are limited, as Flemish is not a widely spoken language in the region. However, there are some Belgian companies that have operations in Asia and require Flemish language skills from their employees. Additionally, there are also some Asian companies that deal with Belgian partners or clients and thus need to communicate in Flemish.
Flemish Language Tourism and Travel in Asia
While Flemish language tourism and travel in Asia are not specifically targeted at Flemish speakers, there are some tourism and travel services that are available in Flemish. For example, some Belgian tour operators offer customized tours in Flemish for their clients who speak the language. Additionally, some Flemish-speaking expatriates in Asia run small-scale tourism businesses that cater to Flemish-speaking tourists.
Flemish Language Diplomacy in Asia
Flemish language diplomacy in Asia is mostly conducted through the Belgian embassies and consulates in the region. Flemish-speaking diplomats are usually posted in these embassies and are responsible for maintaining diplomatic relations between Belgium and the host country. They may also provide assistance to Flemish-speaking residents and visitors in the country.
Challenges Facing Flemish Speakers in Asia
The main challenge facing Flemish speakers in Asia is the lack of opportunities to use the language. With the exception of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, Flemish is not widely spoken or understood in the region, and thus there are limited opportunities to communicate or interact in the language. Additionally, there is also a lack of Flemish language resources and support in the region, which makes it difficult for Flemish speakers to maintain their language skills.
Conclusion: The Future of Flemish Language in Asia
While the usage of Flemish in Asia may have declined since the colonial era, it still has a place in the local cultures and identities of certain countries. Moreover, with the rise of globalization and the increasing interconnectedness of the world, there may be new opportunities for the Flemish language to expand its reach in Asia. As such, it is important to continue supporting Flemish language education and cultural initiatives in the region, and to ensure that Flemish speakers have the resources and support they need to maintain their language skills.
