Why is the Flemish Community not called the Dutch Community?

We also speak of the French Community instead of the Walloon Community. In my opinion, the reason for this has a historical basis and relates to the division of competences in Belgium. Thanks in advance.

Asker: Shari, 29 years old

Answer

Your comment is very correct.

  • The three cultural communities were established in 1971 and named after the three standard languages ​​that defined the educational, cultural and language matters they dealt with. The ‘our’ was therefore officially called the Dutch Cultural Community.
  • The three regions, which also date from that time, were competent for land-related matters such as economy, tourism, administrative law… and were named after their areas: Flanders (actually a pars pro tota), Brussels and Wallonia. So: Flemish Region.

Now the confusion of tongues has grown when in 1980 the Flemish Region merged its institutions with the Dutch Cultural Community, and the merger name retained an element of both: Flemish Community. Where ‘Flemish’ refers to the former region, and ‘Community’ to the uh…

Why is the Flemish Community not called the Dutch Community?

Answered by

dr. Karl Catteeuw

History of Upbringing and Education, Romanian, Music

Catholic University of Leuven
Old Market 13 3000 Leuven
https://www.kuleuven.be/

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