Instruction Languages and Language Education in Belgian Parliamentary Discourse (1883-today): Language conflict, language politics and language ideologies

While French - as the so-called 'language of the Other' - is a compulsory modern language at school in Dutch-speaking Belgium, this is not the case for Dutch in French-speaking Wallonia. Given the high symbolism and sensitivity of language in the Belgian context, such a situation regularly raises controversy. In 2022, hence, the government of the French-speaking Community spoke out in favour of making Dutch a mandatory modern language at school. Controversy yet again, with both French- and Dutch-speaking media considering this decision a historic, even "revolutionary" turning point. But is there really much new here?

This project examines the historical dimension of Belgian language-in-education policy. More specifically, we analyse the discursive (dis)continuity of parliamentary discussions throughout eight key moments in language legislation for educational matters (1883-present). The central questions are:

-     Which decisions have been made, and when?

-     What themes (discursive focal points) are raised in the various discussions? Which remain constant, disappear, change or return?

-     Who are the key figures in these discussions/decisions? What is their role and impact?

-     What are the discursive strategies and linguistic realisations that shape these discussions?

Through these questions, the project aims to better contextualise and unravel – at least for the Belgian context – ...

… the proces of language conflict and the discursive mechanisms by which this conflict fluctuates, can be alleviated and/or revived

… the role of the state – which some consider increasingly anachronistic – in managing such conflictual situations 

… the ways in which language ideologies manifest, persist or can be hybridised