History, Wonder Tales, Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends The Flemish | Page 299

passive knowledge of the language feel that it helps them to learn other Germanic
languages.
Interest in Dutch classes is growing among young French-speakers but the number of
young people who speak Dutch remains small.
2.8. Transnational exchanges
Experimental Dutch classes have been offered at primary and secondary level since
1986 within the framework of a programme of exchanges between France, Belgian
Flanders and the Netherlands. However, since French Flemish is considered to be a
variety of Dutch, there is a tendency not to perceive it as a native regional language.
Contacts have also been established in the areas of commerce, tourism and
environmental protection.
3. Conclusion
French Flemish does not enjoy any official recognition in France, with the exception of
a Ministerial memorandum of 1982, which was supposed to facilitate teaching of the
language. Despite the additional obstacle of the absence of any written form of French
Flemish, its relationship to Dutch, which is one of the official working languages of the
European Union, could contribute to its preservation. Knowledge of Dutch is,
moreover, vital for any understanding of the historical background and cultural and
linguistic roots of the region. This knowledge is als