History, Wonder Tales, Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends The Flemish | Page 298

Cultural activities are supported by some Communes, such as Bailleul, Hazebrouck
and Wormhout. However, the Flemish cultural centre in Hazebrouck, which was set up
in 1981, is not currently offering any activities.
There are a number of unofficial organizations that take an interest in promoting Dutch
language and culture, including the Centre Michiel De Swaen in Bergues. The
Komitée Nederlands Onderwijs and the Komitée voor Frans-Vlaanderen also promote
the teaching of Dutch; the Tegaere Toegaen promotes the teaching of Flemish; and
the Comité flamand de la France and the Association Foirante are also active.
According to our correspondent, the State does not prohibit cultural activities, but it
does exhibit attitudes that are generally opposed to Flemish movements. We have
been told that the French State is not making any moves to come to the aid of the
Flemish language in the cultural domain.
2.6. The business world
Knowledge of Flemish is never a condition of employment.
The language is never used in advertising. Labels and instructions for use are not
printed in Flemish.
Flemish has no role to play in the business world. It would also appear that the
regional and local authorities have not developed any policies either to promote or
restrict use of the language in economic and social activities.
2.7. Family and social use of the language
The use of Flemish within the family has diminished to a tiny percentage since the
Second World War. Flemish is now really only used by a very small number of
families. This trend started in the period between the Wars since when there has been
a total upheaval as regards language use.
Courting couples speak to each other in French, which means that it is reasonable to
state that all households are endogamous, that is, French-speaking. Moreover,
although there was still a difference in the language education of young women in the
1930s, with girls being taught more French than boys, there is no longer any
difference now.
Although 20% of priests speak French Flemish, mass is celebrated in Flemish only
very occasionally. The catechism exists in a bilingual version, with the latest edition
dating bach to 1936, but it has not been taught in Flemish since the last War. There is
no Flemish translation of the Bible.
As regards attitudes, the Flemish language is usually associated with inferiority and is
seen as old-fashioned. Most speakers think the language will disappear completely in
the next couple of generations. They see the language as being of some, albeit small,
use for the future, whereas people who do not speak the language see it as being of
little use. Despite the fact that young people have some interest in learning Flemish as
a foreign language, they do not use it in their daily lives. People who still have a

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