by Starla
Dutch and Flemish are two varieties of the same language, primarily spoken in the Netherlands and Belgium. Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands, while Flemish is a variety of Dutch spoken in the Northern part of Belgium, known as the Flanders. The southern part of Belgium, Wallonia, speaks French, which influences the Flemish dialect, making it more French-influenced than standard Dutch. In total there are about 24 million native Dutch speakers, and although Dutch and Flemish share the same root, differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar set them slightly apart.
The changes in pronunciation
One of the most noticeable differences between Dutch and Flemish is the pronunciation. Dutch speakers often pronounce words more forcefully, with a clearer pronunciation of consonants, especially with a hard and guttural “g” sound. For example, the Dutch word “goed” (good) is pronounced with a very strong “g” sound, while in Flemish, the “g” sound is softer and sounds more like an 'h', while it isn’t sounded out from the very back of the throat.
The subtle changes in vocabulary
While Dutch and Flemish share much of their vocabulary, certain words and phrases differ, similar to the distinction between British and American English. For example, in the Netherlands, “fries” are called “patat”, while in the Flanders, they are called “frieten”. Another example is the word for 'bicycle,' which is 'fiets' in Dutch, but in Flemish, they use 'velo,' borrowed from French. While these are just being couple examples, there are plenty more, which can sometimes lead to slight misunderstandings between Dutch and Flemish speakers.
Many ways to use grammar
Although Dutch and Flemish largely share the same grammar rules, there are slight differences in usage. One major difference is the use of diminutives. In the Netherlands, diminutives are more commonly used, especially in informal conversation. For example, “een katje” (a little cat) is common in the Netherlands, while in the Flanders people might simply say “een kat” (a cat) without the diminutive. Other small grammar differences exist, but this can be found to be the most common one.
Conclusion to the global variations of Dutch
In conclusion, while Dutch and Flemish are basically the same language, distinct differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar exist. Flemish has softer pronunciation, more loanwords from French, and some unique vocabulary choices compared to Dutch. In contrast, Dutch spoken in the Netherlands has a more guttural accent and sometimes uses different words for everyday objects. Despite these differences, Dutch and Flemish speakers generally understand each other with ease.
Additionally, other Dutch dialects exist, such as Surinamese Dutch, Caribbean Dutch, and Afrikaans, each with its own unique features influenced by the regions where they are spoken. Surinamese Dutch and Caribbean Dutch are spoken in former Dutch colonies, while Afrikaans is spoken in South Africa and Namibia, having evolved from Dutch during the colonial period. These varieties highlight the global reach and diversity of the Dutch language.
About Starla
A young French-Canadian who’s currently doing her undergrad in accounting with a minor in English. She is also a part time accountant and enjoys hobbies such as digital art, skateboarding, video games, chess, and of course, language learning. She is currently fluent in French and English and is learning Dutch.