Belgian French: A Linguistic Journey

Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Belgian French

Belgium, a nation at the crossroads of European cultures, boasts a fascinating linguistic landscape. While French is one of its official languages, the French spoken by Belgians possesses a unique character, subtly distinct from its Parisian counterpart. This divergence is not merely a matter of accent, but a vibrant spectrum of vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and even grammatical nuances that reflect a rich history and a distinct cultural identity. For anyone visiting Belgium, engaging with locals, or simply curious about the evolution of language, understanding these particularities can greatly enrich the experience.

The French spoken in Belgium is a testament to the country's unique heritage, a blend of influences that have shaped its linguistic identity. It's a language that is both familiar and delightfully surprising, offering a window into the Belgian way of life. So, whether you're planning a trip to Brussels, Liège, or Bruges, or you're simply a language enthusiast, delving into the world of Belgian French is an enlightening adventure.

Numbers with a Twist: Septante and Nonante

One of the most immediate and noticeable differences lies in the numbering system. While in France, we say "soixante-dix" for 70 and "quatre-vingt-dix" for 90, Belgians employ a more streamlined approach, much like their Swiss and Luxembourgish neighbours. They use septante for 70 and nonante for 90. This system, rooted in older French usage, makes counting significantly more straightforward.

Imagine the ease of saying:

• Septante et un (71)
• Septante-deux (72)
• Nonante et un (91)
• Nonante-trois (93)

This is a prime example of how Belgian French retains certain linguistic features that have been less common elsewhere, offering a glimpse into historical linguistic patterns.

Everyday Objects and Actions: GSM, Déjeuner, Dîner, Souper

The Belgian lexicon extends to common, everyday terms, often leading to amusing misunderstandings for the uninitiated. Take, for instance, the ubiquitous mobile phone. While the term "portable" is used in France, in Belgium, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) is the common parlance. Conversely, "portable" in Belgium refers to a laptop computer, a distinction that can cause confusion!

The mealtime vocabulary also presents a unique structure:

So, when invited for "dîner" in Belgium, expect a midday meal, and "souper" will refer to the evening repast. It's a simple shift, but one that requires a little mental adjustment.

Politeness and Practicality: "S'il vous plaît"

The phrase "s'il vous plaît" (please) in Belgian French takes on an additional layer of meaning beyond mere politeness. It can also function as a way to present or hand over an item, akin to saying "here you go" or "there you are." A waiter bringing your food might say "s'il vous plaît" as they place the dish before you. While this usage might seem uncommon in other French-speaking regions, it's a charming local custom that highlights a friendly and direct approach to service.

Weather Expressions: Caillant and Douf

The Belgian climate, often characterized by its variability, has inspired some colourful expressions for describing the weather. When it's freezing cold, Belgians might say il fait caillant. This evocative term paints a vivid picture of biting cold. Similarly, for those sweltering hot and humid days, particularly during summer or before a storm, the expression il fait douf is used, indicating a heavy, stifling atmosphere. The related term "stouff" also captures this feeling of oppressive heat.

On a related note, if someone asks if you're feeling too hot, a common and reassuring response is "J'ai bon," which simply means "I'm fine" or "It's okay," implying you're not overheating.

Farewells and Familiarity: "À tantôt"

When parting ways, especially with the expectation of seeing someone again later in the day, the phrase à tantôt is a very common and friendly way to say goodbye. It translates roughly to "see you later" or "talk to you soon." The standalone term "tantôt" can also be used in this context, conveying a sense of informal immediacy.

Culinary Delights and Debates: "Une couque"

The Belgian love for pastries is well-known, and their terminology can sometimes spark friendly debates. The "couque au chocolat" is a perfect example. While in much of France it might be called a "pain au chocolat," and in some regions a "chocolatine," the Belgian term couque refers to a sweet pastry, often made with brioche dough. The "couque au chocolat" is their beloved equivalent of the chocolate croissant or pain au chocolat.

Versatile Verbs and Unique Words: Sketter/Squetter

The Belgian French vocabulary is enriched by words that possess multiple meanings, adding a layer of intrigue. The term sketter, or its alternative spelling squetter, is a fascinating example. This word can mean to drink, to break something into pieces, or to be tired. You might hear someone say they are "skettering beers," "skettering a vase," or feeling "sketté" (tired).

Figurative Language: "Ne pas avoir toutes les frites dans le même sachet"

Belgian French is also rich in colourful idiomatic expressions that offer a unique perspective on life. A particularly amusing one is "Tu n’as pas toutes les frites dans le même sachet !" This translates to "You don't have all your fries in the same bag!" and is used to describe someone who is a bit eccentric, forgetful, or not thinking clearly – essentially, not having all their marbles.

Keeping in Touch: "Je te dis quoi"

For friendly communication and staying connected, the expression "Je te dis quoi" is commonly used. It's a casual way of saying "I'll let you know" or "I'll keep you updated." It signifies an ongoing conversation or a promise to share information later.

More Linguistic Gems: La Drache, En Stoemelings, Carabistouilles, Kot, J'ai un boentje pour toi, Guindailler, Dikkenek

Beyond the initial ten, the Belgian linguistic landscape offers even more treasures:

• La drache: This refers to heavy, driving rain. A "drache" is a proper downpour, a quintessential Belgian weather phenomenon.
• En stoemelings: Meaning to do something secretly or on the sly. It comes from Dutch and evokes a sense of discretion.
• Des carabistouilles: This amusing term denotes nonsense, fibs, or tall tales. It's a lighthearted way to dismiss something untrue.
• Un kot: Particularly among students, a "kot" is a student room or a shared student flat. It's a term deeply embedded in the student culture, originating from Dutch for a small shelter.
• J'ai un boentje pour toi: A sweet expression of affection, meaning "I have a soft spot for you" or "I fancy you." It originates from the Flemish word for a small bean, "boontje."
• Guindailler: This verb describes lively partying or celebrating, especially among students. It captures the spirit of energetic, joyful gatherings.
• Dikkenek: Derived from "dikke" (fat) and "nek" (neck), this term describes someone who is conceited, arrogant, or "full of themselves."

Conclusion: Embracing the Belgian Linguistic Charm

The French spoken in Belgium is a vibrant and evolving entity, rich with history, humour, and cultural significance. Understanding these unique expressions and vocabulary not only facilitates communication but also offers a deeper appreciation for the Belgian way of life. The linguistic differences are not barriers, but rather invitations to explore a distinct facet of the French language. So, next time you encounter Belgian French, embrace its peculiarities, enjoy its charm, and perhaps even try out a "septante" or an "à tantôt." You'll find that understanding this linguistic tapestry truly enhances the experience of connecting with Belgium and its people.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: What is the main difference between Belgian French and Metropolitan French?
While both are French, Belgian French has distinct vocabulary (e.g., 'septante' for 70, 'GSM' for mobile phone), different mealtime terms ('déjeuner' for breakfast, 'dîner' for lunch, 'souper' for dinner), and unique idiomatic expressions.

Q2: Are there other countries where 'septante' is used?
Yes, 'septante' is also commonly used in Switzerland and Luxembourg.

Q3: What does 'dikkenek' mean?
'Dikkenek' is a Belgian term for someone who is arrogant, conceited, or thinks too highly of themselves.

Q4: How do Belgians say 'goodbye' informally?
A common informal farewell is 'à tantôt,' meaning 'see you later' or 'talk to you soon.'

Q5: Is 'couque' a common word for pastry in Belgium?
Yes, 'couque' refers to a sweet pastry, and 'couque au chocolat' is the Belgian term for what is often called a 'pain au chocolat' elsewhere.

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