Introduction to Belgium
Belgium is a small, western European country bordered by the Netherlands, Germany, France and Luxembourg. It is home to 2 languages: Dutch, which is spoken by the majority of the population, and French, which is spoken by nearly half of Belgium’s 11 million inhabitants. Traditionally, French is the language of politics and society in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, while Dutch is the language of the provinces.

The Procedure of Language Acquisition in Belgium
Children in Belgium are expected to learn the language of the region in which they live. In Flanders and Brussels, most parents send their children to “Dutch” language schools. But in Wallonia, bilingualism is promoted, and children are taught both French and Dutch. In Brussels, students can choose English as a second language in schools and universities.

The Impact of Language on Belgian People
Belgium’s official languages have helped shape the identity of Belgians. French is associated with Brussels and the European Union, while Dutch has been an important language throughout history. Belgian people are very proud of their language and culture, and language is an important part of Belgian life. Language is seen as a symbol of unity, and of the diversity of Belgian culture.

Despite the different languages spoken in Belgium, many Belgians are bilingual and speak both French and Dutch. As a result, Belgians are accustomed to changing languages to communicate with people who speak different languages. This has enabled Belgians to become highly educated, travel and work abroad, and form a number of successful business ventures.

Conclusion
Belgium is a unique country that has three official languages: French, Dutch and German. Canada, Switzerland, and South Africa are the only other countries in the world that have more than two official languages. The multiple languages of Belgium have allowed its people to form a strong national identity. Despite the language differences within Belgium, many Belgians are bilingual, and can easily switch between languages in order to communicate with people from all different backgrounds.