A storm in a glass of water? The case that makes a great noise in Belgium is mostly symptomatic of the deep division in the country.
Last December, a SNCB trains (the country’s SNCF) controller was subject to a complaint for having said “Hello” while in Vilvorde, Flamenco side, Dutch region of what it spits.
While the train circulates in Flamenco territory, the controller welcomes the passengers of a “gueiemorgen” (Hello in Dutch, note of the editor), before using the French equivalent.
The National Belgian Railway Company confirms that its employee had broken the current linguistic rules. In fact, the rules stipulate that the ads made by the controllers must be exclusively in Dutch when the train circulates in flamenco territory. Information screens in cars should also show messages only in Dutch. And when the train is in Brussels, the ads can be made in Dutch and French. There is an exception for trains for the Brussels airport, where ads are made in four languages: Dutch, French, German and English …
The head of the edge in question, Ilitss Alba, is very active on social networks (53,000 followers on Facebook). Regularly shared the passion for your work, anecdotes and small stories. The case then quickly assumes quite incredible proportions.
Incomprehension
To the point that the minister renounces mobility on the subject, asking for more flexibility in the application of linguistic laws, a highly flammable issue in Belgium, where the two communities live in a very separate way.
But despite the support of this Minister or the Patroness of the SNCB, the Dutch press revealed a few days ago that the complaint filed by the traveler was considered by the Permanent Linguistic Control Commission.
“The train companion addressed each traveler in Dutch and French (Goedendag Hello), or exclusively in French (Hello); the train guide responded to the plaintiff exclusively in French” please.
On Facebook, Ilitoss Alba does not hide its bitterness. “What a Belgium! That a traveler presents a complaint for that, to protect his mother tongue, I understand. But that a commission gives him reasons when travelers come from all over the world to visit Belgium is the sign of a closure of the mind by a small flamenco elite. How can we ban a chief of the shore of scientists and travelers who welcome with two languages?” Is it waters? ” “
“What is going on to think like this? Can’t we show an open mentality? Part of Flanders will succeed in separating from the unilingual past of Belgium and making peace with themselves? What respect for these French speakers when the train crosses Flanders? Can’t we greet all in both languages directly?” He continues.
“It’s time to change this law! A train moves (…) Anyway, Long Live Belgium! Let’s continue saying Goeedag Hello A Amberpen, Charleroi, Namur, Brugge, Zottegem, Mons, Tournai, Sint-Truidé, Arlon or Hasselt!”, Write in the social network.
Source: BFM TV
