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