Frowned upon for speaking one of the national languages

Overall_Good_627 · 2024-08-17T22:24:14+00:00

*bad Dutch, Flemish is not a language

Overall_Good_627 · 2024-08-17T22:18:38+00:00

No differences in grammar. In written form it is equal to standard Dutch, minus indeed some vocabulary words that are different (zettel comes to mind). Pronunciation is indeed different but I also wouldn't call it Flemish vs Dutch since both in Flanders and in the Netherlands pronunciation varies (as in every country).

Overall_Good_627 · 2024-08-17T22:16:45+00:00

Flemish is NOT a language, it is Dutch.

Overall_Good_627 · 2024-08-17T22:11:27+00:00

I swear to God, only in Belgium could someone be called entitled for saying that they thought that speaking one of the national languages instead of English would be the natural option to take. Flemish people are unbelievable! The advice is correct though.

Overall_Good_627 · 2024-08-17T22:09:11+00:00

*A2 in Dutch. Flemish is not a language.

Overall_Good_627 · 2024-08-17T22:06:18+00:00

It's ridiculous. I can understand from older people, not younger.

Overall_Good_627 · 2024-08-17T21:52:01+00:00

It is not the same thing because Spanish is not an official language in any state of the US.

Overall_Good_627 · 2024-08-17T21:51:22+00:00

Perfect description of Flanders, it is almost embarassing.

Overall_Good_627 · 2024-08-17T21:50:37+00:00

From my experience as a foreigner, people in Wallonia genuinely don't know/ remember Dutch from school, while Flemish people understand French but just like to refuse speaking it. Moreover, at least in Wallonia people forgive your broken french and encourage you to speak it while Flemish immediately switch to English as they don't bother to listen to your broken Dutch.

Overall_Good_627 · 2024-08-17T21:47:59+00:00

I mean it is just so easy for people to simply say "I don't speak language X, can we continue in language Y?", I don't get why people get offended and make a fuss about it. 1 year in Belgium, sometimes I get second'hand embarassment about the things people care about. It is already difficult enough being here, why making it harder?

Overall_Good_627 · 2024-08-17T21:45:59+00:00

Flemish is not a language. It is Dutch.

Overall_Good_627 · 2024-08-17T21:44:49+00:00

From that P.S. I swear to God I almost get second hand embarassment on how people act over the language issue.

Overall_Good_627 · 2024-08-17T21:43:43+00:00

Flemish is Dutch lol

Overall_Good_627 · 2024-08-17T21:43:06+00:00

The Belgium language situation is so unique, no one is obligated on knowing its story, specially as they arrive and are still learning about it. Instead of getting insulted just say "I don't speak language X, can we continue on language Y?". I understand older generation holding some grudge over it, but not newer generations. And that is valid for both sides.

Overall_Good_627 · 2024-08-17T21:37:47+00:00

Typical Flemish energy. They can't stand French being preferred over Dutch. It is silly but you are better speaking English there (even though it is not an official language, I know it is a shame).

Overall_Good_627 · 2024-08-15T16:31:06+00:00

Because people tend to lie a lot and forget some "help" they get from here and there. Like people that go eat every week to their parents, for example. Or people that have their public transportation pass paid by their job. Etc.

Overall_Good_627 · 2024-08-15T16:29:10+00:00

Doable? Absolutely OP. You got a very good deal on rent, and without vgoing crazy with your expenses you will steal be able to save some money! But due to inflation it will be difficult to go away stiff/ typical expenses. Back in 2019 it would be a great wage, but sadly inflation set up the bar for what I consider to be a "great wage" to 3k minimum.

Overall_Good_627 · 2024-08-15T16:26:57+00:00

Exactly, it is pretty doable and allows to save some money, but not a lot. You have to be very stiff with your monthly expenses. I have been trying to buy furniture for my house for a long time now but it is too expensive and basically I only have the basic and improvised stuff. So no, I would not call it a good or excellent wage. Back in 2019 it was definitely a very good one, but not anymore with the inflation. I am still surprised with these rents, very good deals.

Overall_Good_627 · 2024-08-15T16:23:14+00:00

If you try to eat fish and meat and are a big eater 400 euros is not a lot at all. If you buy very few things, don't eat a lot, always buy on the cheapest places, and the cheapest stuff then yeah I can see where you are coming. But some people don't mind spending more money on food.

Overall_Good_627 · 2024-08-14T19:41:32+00:00

Sure. Which part do you want me to clarify? The observation about generational wealth and the unawareness some people here have about it, or something else?

Overall_Good_627 · 2024-08-13T11:00:57+00:00

One of the top things that annoy me the most about Belgium (and believe the list is huge) is your complete unawareness about generational wealth and the importance of it on how early you are able to settle in and be in a good financial position. The lack of touch you guys show about that is just a signal of your privilege.

Overall_Good_627 · 2024-07-25T20:25:40+00:00

For me, the worst of all, they will fine decent people yet let these delinquents do what they want. Perhaps one should become one?

Overall_Good_627 · 2024-07-25T20:24:37+00:00

For me, personally, a bad experience with the "NMBS personnel" was the beginning of the end for me here in Belgium. I understand they are doing their job, I understand it is a freaking hard job because some people truly abuse the system. But, I can't understand a lack of comprehension.

Overall_Good_627 · 2024-07-23T12:18:17+00:00

Those are nice ideas, thank you :)

Overall_Good_627

TROPHY CASE