Belgium

1. General questions about your country and its languages

1.1 List each official language in your country, and mark if the language is officially used nationalwide or in certain regions of the country.

Language 1: French

Language 2: Dutch

Language 3: German

Use:: Regional

Use:: Regional

Use:: Regional

1.2 What percentage of the population uses the language as a first language?

Use in percentages:: 26-50%

Use in percentages:: 51-75%

Use in percentages:: <5%

Use in percentages:: <5%

1.3 In what language(s) are the Constitution and laws in your country written?

Language 1: French

Language 2: Dutch

Language 3: German

1.3.1 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 1.3: The last linguistic census in Belgium dates back to 1947. Linguistic censuses have been forbidden by the 24
June 1961 law


Belgium is divided into 4 linguistic communities :
- Dutch-speaking Community (i.e. the Dutch area situated in Flanders and for 2 % in Brussels)
- French-speaking Community (i.e. the French area situated in Wallonia and for 90 % in Brussels)
- German-speaking Community (i.e. the German area situated in the North-East of Wallonia)
Legal text
Belgian Constitution : coordinated text of 17 February 1994, Articles 4 and 189






Belgium is a federal state composed of 3 communities and 3 regions which
independently exercise their authority within their domains, i.e. roughly said,
- language, education and culture for the communities
- economics and matters related to the territory (agriculture, energies, waterways, …) for the regions.
The French-speaking community (Wallonia-Brussels Federation) exercises its powers
in the Walloon provinces and in Brussels.

1.4 Are there languages, other than the official languages you mentioned under 1.2, that can be used in regional courts, regional parliaments, and/or regional administrations?

No

1.4.1 Which languages?

1.4.2 Paste relevant sources here (in original language and in english)

1.4.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 1.4: The regional Brussels-Capital Parliament uses either French or Dutch to deal with its respective community-linked matters.

1.5 Are there other autochthonous (indigenous) languages in your country, not mentioned in your answers to questions 1.1 to 1.4?

Yes

1.5.1 Which languages?

1.0: 4 romanic languages (Walloon, Picard, Lorrain, Champenois)

2.0: 2 germanic languages (Francique, Thiois brabançon)

1.5.2 Paste relevant sources here (in original language and inenglish)

Original language: n/a

English translation: n/a

1.5.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 1.5: This answer is provided exclusively for the French-speaking Community

1.6 Which are the three main languages (in terms of number of users) spoken by first- and second-generation immigrants in your country?

1.0: n/a

1.6.1 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 1.6: n/a

1.7(a) Except for your own country, in which other countries of the European Union is/are your official language(s) also regarded as an official language?

Country 1: France

Country 2: Luxembourg

Country 1: The Nederlands

Country 1: Germany

Country 2: Austria

Country 3: Luxembourg

1.7(b) In which countries outside the European Union is/are your official language(s) also regarded as an official language?

Country 1 (outside the European Union): Gabon

Country 2 (outside the European Union): Ivory Coast

Country 3 (outside the European Union): Quebec

Country 1 (outside the European Union): Surinam

Country 2 (outside the European Union): Netherlands Antilles

Country 1 (outside the European Union): Lichtensein

Country 2 (outside the European Union): Switzerland

1.7(c) Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

1.8 Has your country ratified the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages?

No

1.8.1 Which regional and/or minority languages does your country officially recognise?

1.8.2 What reservations concerning the charter were raised by your country?

1.8.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 1.8: This answer is provided exclusively for the French-speaking Community.
a. At the federal level, Belgium doesn’t officially recognize any regional and/or
minority languages.
b. The French-speaking Community (Wallonia-Brussels Federation) recognizes
endogeneous regional languages in its specific region.
Legal texts for 1.9.1.b.
1. - Décret du 24 décembre 1990 de la Communauté française relative aux
langues régionales endogènes de la Communauté française
- Decree of 24 December 1990 of the French Community of Belgium
concerning endogenous regional languages of the French Community
2. - Arrêté du 19 mars 1991 de l’Exécutif de la Communauté française
instituant un Conseil des Langues régionales endogènes de la Communauté française
- Order of 19 March 1991 of the Executive of the French Community of
Belgium instituting the Council for Endogenous Regional Languages of the
French Community of Belgium
3. - Arrêté du 23 juin 2006 du Gouvernement de la Communauté française
instituant les missions, la composition et les aspects essentiels de
fonctionnement d’instances d’avis tombant dans le champ d’application du
décret du 10 avril 2003 relatif au fonctionnement des instances d’avis
œuvrant dans le secteur culturel (Chapitre II, article 28 : Du Conseil des
Langues régionales endogènes)
- Order of 23 June 2006 of the Government of the French Community of
Belgium instituting the remits, the composition and the essential aspects for the working of advising instances that pertain to the implementation field of the Decree of 10 April 2003 related to the working of advising instances working for the cultural sector (Chapter II, article 28 : About the Council for Endogenous Regional Languages)
Other source
Jean-Luc FAUCONNIER (coord.), Parva Charta, Ministère de la Communauté
française, Service général des Lettres et du Livre – SLRE, 2001
Comment : Ratification can only be achieved at the federal level

1.9 Has your country signed the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities?

Yes

1.9.1 What provisions relating to this Convention were made by your country?

see comments for question 1.8.2

1.9.2 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

2. Specific legal regulations

2.1 Does the Constitution of your country state what the official/national/main languages are?

Yes

2.1.1 Please quote the relevant article(s) of the Constitution in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

Original language: French :
- Article 4. La Belgique comprend quatre régions linguistiques : la région de langue française, la région de langue néerlandaise, la région bilingue de Bruxelles-Capitale et la région de langue allemande.
- Article 189. Le texte de la Constitution est établi en français, en néerlandais et en allemand.


Dutch :
- Artikel 4. België omvat vier taalgebieden : het Nederlandse taalgebied, het Franse taalgebied, het tweetalige gebied Brussel-Hoofdstad en het Duitse taalgebied.
- Artikel 189. De tekst van de Grondwet is in het Nederlands, in het Frans en in het Duits gesteld.


German :
- Artikel 4. Belgien umfasst vier Sprachgebiete : das deutsche Sprachgebiet, das französische Sprachgebiet, das niederländische Sprachgebiet und das zweisprachige Gebiet Brüssel-Hauptstadt.
- Artikel 189. Der Text der Verfassung ist in Deutsch, in Französisch und in Niederländisch festgelegt.


Source : http://www.senate.be/doc/const_fr.html

English translation: - Article 4. Belgium comprehends four language areas: the French area, the Dutch area, the Bilingual Brussels-Capital area and the German area.
- Article 189. The text of the Constitution is established in the French, Dutch and German languages.

2.1.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

2.1.3 Comments on 2.1.1

2.2 Is there a language law stipulating what language is (or what languages are) to be used in official matters?

Yes

2.2.1 Please quote the relevant article(s) of the language law(s) in the original language and in English including the exact reference.

Original language: French :
- Article 10.- Tout service local établi dans la région de langue française, de langue néerlandaise ou de langue allemande utilise exclusivement la langue de sa région dans les services intérieurs, dans ses rapports avec les services dont il relève, ainsi que dans ses rapports avec les autres services de la même région linguistique et de Bruxelles-capitale.
18 JUILLET 1966. Lois sur l'emploi des langues en matière administrative, telles
que modifiées.

English translation: Article 10. – Any local department located in the French language area, the Dutch language area or the German language area exclusively uses the language of its area in internal departments, in its relations with the departments it is part of, as well as in its relations with other departments of the same language area and of Brussels-Capital.
18 JULY 1966. Laws with respect to the use of languages in administrative matters, as modified.






comments


- For the complex language use in judicial matters : see 15 JULY 1935. Law with
respect to the use of languages in judicial matters (Article 4, §1)
- For the ‘Communes with linguistic special terms’ : see 3.1.2

2.2.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

2.2.3 Comments on 2.2.1

2.2.4 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

2.3 Is there any legislation other than the Constitution or a language law that defines the use of language(s) in government, public administration and/or judiciary institutions?

No

2.3.1 Please quote the relevant article(s) in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

2.3.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

2.3.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

2.4 Does your country have a compulsory test or examination that includes a language test in (one of) the national/official language(s) which has to be passed in order to obtain citizenship?

No

2.4.1 Quote the relevant legislation in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

2.4.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

2.4.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 2.4: This answer is provided exclusively for the french-speaking Community

2.5 Does your country offer instruction with regard to which national/official language(s) have to be mastered in order to obtain citizenship?

No

2.5.1 Quote the relevant legislation in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

2.5.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

2.5.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 2.5: This answer is provided exclusively for the french-speaking Community

2.6 Does your country have a compulsory examination or test with regard to which (one of the) national language(s) have to be mastered in order to obtain permanent residency (i.e. without becoming a citizen of your country)?

No

2.6.1 Quote the relevant legislation in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

2.6.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

2.6.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 2.6: This answer is provided exclusively for the french-speaking Community

2.7 Does the government of your country provide instruction, with regard to which (one of the) national/official language(s) have to be masted in order to obtain permanent residency?

No

2.7.1 Quote the relevant legislation in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

2.7.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

2.7.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

This answer is provided exclusively for the french-speaking Community

3. Instruction in and use of languages in primary and secondary education

3.1 Is there any regulation in your country that gives the official language(s) a declared status as a medium of instruction in primary schools?

Yes

3.1.1 Quote the relevant legislation in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

Quotation in original language: French :
Chapitre II, Article 4.- La langue de l’enseignement est le néerlandais dans la région de langue néerlandaise, le français dans la région de langue française et l’allemand dans la région de langue allemande (…)
Chapitre II, Article 5.- Dans l’arrondissement de Bruxelles-Capitale, la langue de l’enseignement est le français ou le néerlandais selon le choix du chef de famille lorsque celui-ci réside dans cet arrondissement. (…)
Chapitre III, Article 9.- L’enseignement de la seconde langue peut être organisé dans l’enseignement primaire à partir de la 5e année d’études, à raison de trois heures par semaine au maximum. (…)
La seconde langue sera :
- dans la région de langue néerlandaise, le français ;
- dans la région de langue française, le néerlandais, l’allemand ou l’anglais
- dans la région de langue allemande, le français dans les écoles de langue allemande et l'allemand dans les écoles de langue française.
Chapitre III, Article 10.- L’enseignement de la seconde langue est obligatoire dans les écoles primaires de l’arrondissement de Bruxelles-Capitale (…) à raison de trois heures semaine au deuxième degré et de cinq heures par semaine aux troisième et quatrième degrés. (…) La seconde langue sera le français ou le néerlandais. Elle peut être l’allemand dans les arrondissements de Verviers, Bastogne et Arlon.
30 JUILLET 1963. Loi concernant le régime linguistique dans l’enseignement,
modifiée le 26 JUILLET 1971

Quotation in English: Chapter II, Article 4. – The language used for education is the Dutch one in the Dutch language area, the French one in the French language area and the German one in the German language area. (…)
Chapter II, Article 5. – In the Brussels-Capital district, the education language is the French or the Dutch one in function of the choice of the head of the family when he or she has his(her) residence in that district. (…)
Chapter III, Article 9. – Teaching of the second language can be organised from the 5th year of primary education, at the rate of three hours a week maximum. (…)
The second language will be:
- in the Dutch language area : French
- in the French language area : Dutch, German or English
- in the German language area : French in the German speaking schools and German in the French speaking schools.
Chapter III, Article 10. – Teaching the second language is compulsory in the primary schools of the Brussels-capital district (…) at the rate of three hours a week at the second degree and five hours a week at the third and fourth degrees. (…) The second language will be French of Dutch. It can also be German in the Verviers, Bastogne and Arlon districts.
30 JULY 1963. Law with respect to the language system in education, as modified on 26 JULY 1971

Reference (name of the law, article number, date): 30 JULY 1963. Law with respect to the language system in education, as modified on 26 JULY 1971

3.1.2 Please state which languages are used as mediums of language instruction.

3.1.3 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

3.1.4 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 3.1: The law provides for a special system to protect minorities in a limited number of « communes » (Chapter I, Article 3.- 30 JULY 1963. Law with respect to the language system in education, as modified on 26 JULY 1971).
It only concerns French-speaking minorities in the Dutch area and Dutch-speaking minorities in the French area.

3.2 Are there other (regional or local) regulations concerning the use of the official or other languages as mediums of instruction in primary schools?

Yes

3.2.1 Quote the relevant legislation in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

Quotation in original language: French :
Chapitre I, Article 2.- (…) on entend par “Apprentissage par immersion”, une procédure pédagogique visant à assurer la maitrise des compétences attendues en assurant une partie des cours et des activités pédagogiques de la grille horaire dans une langue moderne autre que le français en vue de l’acquisition progressive de cette autre langue (…)
Chapitre II, Article 2.- Les langues dans lesquelles l’apprentissage par immersion peut être organisé sont le néerlandais, l’anglais et l’allemand.
11 MAI 2007. Décret du Gouvernement de la Communauté française relatif à
l’enseignement en immersion linguistique.

Quotation in English: Chapter I, Article 2.- (…) with “Learning by immersion”, we understand a pedagogic process aimed at displaying the mastery of expected competences while ensuring a part of the curriculum and pedagogical activities in one modern language other than French to progressively acquire that other language (…)
Chapter II, Article 2.- Languages in which learning by immersion can be organised are Dutch, English and German.

Reference (name of the law, article number, date): 11 MAY 2007. Decree of the Government of the French Community related to education through linguistic immersion

3.2.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

3.2.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 3.2: This answer is provided exclusively for the French-speaking Community

3.3 Is there any regulation in your country that gives the official language(s) a declared status as mediums of instruction in secondary schools?

Yes

3.3.1 Quote the relevant legislation in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

3.3.2 Please state which languages are used as languages of instruction.

3.3.3 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

3.3.4 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 3.3: See 3.1, 3.1.1., 3.1.2.


The legal prescriptions are the same for primary as for secondary education.

3.4 Are there other (regional or local) regulations concerning the use of the official or other languages as mediums of instruction in secondary schools?

Yes

3.4.1 Quote the relevant legislation in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

3.4.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

3.4.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 3.4: See 3.2.1 and 14 FEBRUARY 2008. Circulaire n° 2194 for the organisation of “learning by immersion” in the secondary schools.
This answer is provided exclusively for the French-speaking Community

4. Instruction in and use of languages at university level

4.1 Is there any regulation in your country that gives the official langauge(s) a declared status as mediums of instruction at university level?

Yes

4.1.1 Please state which languages are used as languages of instruction.

4.1.2 Quote the relevant legislation in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

Quotation in original language: French :
Article 21.- & 2. La langue d’enseignement et d’évaluation des activités
d’apprentissage est le français.
7 SEPTEMBRE 1994. Décret du Gouvernement de la Communauté française relatif
au régime des études universitaires et des grades académiques

Quotation in English: Article 21. - & 2. The teaching and assessment language for learning activities is
French.
7 SEPTEMBER 1994. Decree of the Government of the French Community of Belgium
related to the system of university studies and academic degrees

Reference (name of the law, article number, date): Article 21. - & 2.

4.1.3 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

4.1.4 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 4.1: English can also be used for a number of lectures
This answer is provided exclusively for the French-speaking Community

4.2 Are there any (national, regional, local, or other) regulations about the language in which bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral courses and programs should be taught?

Yes

4.2.1 Please quote the relevant article(s) in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

Legal text 1
French :
Article 21.- & 2. La langue d’enseignement et d’évaluation des activités d’apprentissage est le français. Toutefois, des activités peuvent être dispensées et évaluées dans une autre langue :
1° dans le premier cycle d’études, sauf en première années, à raison d’au plus un cinquième des crédits;
2° pour les études menant au grade académique de master, sauf pour les crédits spécifiques à la finalité didactique, à raison de la moitié des crédits;
3° pour les études menant au grade académique de master complémentaire;
4° pour les études de troisième cycle;
5° lorsque ces activités, si elles sont obligatoires, sont organisées également en français.
7 SEPTEMBRE 1994. Décret du Gouvernement de la Communauté française relatif
Au régime des études universitaires et des grades académiques


English :
Article 21.- & 2. The teaching and assessment language for learning activities is French. However, some activities can be taught and assessed in another language:
1° in the first study cycle, except during the first year, at a rate of more than a fifth of teaching credits;
2° for studies leading to the academic degree of master, except for teaching credits specific to the didactic finality, at a rate of half the credits;
3° for studies leading to the academic degree of complementary master;
4° for studies of the third cycle; 5° when these activities, if compulsory, are also organised in French.
7 SEPTEMBER 1994. Decree of the Government of the French Community of Belgium related to the system of university studies and academic degrees


Legal text 2
French :
- Article 1. – L’Université Catholique de Louvain est autorisée à dispenser et évaluer en langue anglaise l’ensemble des activités d’apprentissage composant le programme du master, en sciences économiques, orientation économétrie à finalité approfondie.

19 JUILLET 2007. Arrêté du Gouvernement de la Communauté Française
accordant une dérogation à l’Université Catholique de Louvain quant à l’usage de la
langue d’enseignement et d’évaluation pour le master en sciences économiques,
orientation économétrie, à finalité approfondie”


English :
- Article 1. – The Université Catholique de Louvain is entitled to organize and assess in the English language all learning activities composing the master curriculum in economic sciences, econometric trends with profound finality.
19 JULY 2007. Order of the Government of the French Community of Belgium granting derogation to the Université Catholique de Louvain for the usage of the teaching and assessment language for the master curriculum in economic sciences, econometric trends with profound finality


Legal text 3
- Article 1.- Les institutions universitaires organisant les cursus de 2e cycle de master ingénieur civil en informatique (120 crédits), de master en sciences informatiques (60 crédits) et de master en sciences informatiques (120 crédits) sont autorisées à dispenser en langue anglaise l’ensemble des activités d'apprentissage composant ces programmes.
25 MAI 2009. Arrêté du Gouvernement de la Communauté Française accordant
une dérogation aux institutions universitaire quant à l’usage de la langue
d’enseignement et d’évaluation pour le master ingénieur civil en informatique et
les masters en sciences informatiques 60 et 120 crédits


English :
- Article 1.- University institutions organizing the curricula for the 2nd cycle of master of civil computer engineer (120 teaching credits), of master in computer sciences (60 teaching credits) and of master in computer sciences (120 teaching credits) are entitled to organize in the English language all learning activities of these curricula.
25 MAY 2009. Order of the Government of the French Community of Belgium
granting derogation to university institutions for the usage of the teaching and
assessment language for the master degree of civil computer engineer and the
masters in computer sciences (60 and 120 teaching credits

4.2.2 Are there other (regional or local) regulations concerning the language of instruction in university research programs?

No

4.2.2 Please quote the relevant article(s) in the original language and in English, including the exact reference.

4.2.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

4.3 Select the five biggest universities of your country (by means of number of students) covering all academic fields (humanities, social sciences and natural sciences).

4.3.1 What percentage of the master’s programs in the five selected universities is taught in English?

Between 0-25%

No answer
Between 0-25%
Between 26-50%
Between 51-75%
More than 75%

4.3.2 What percentage of the master’s programs for the humanities in the five selected universities is taught in English?

Between 0-25%

No answer
Between 0-25%
Between 26-50%
Between 51-75%
More than 75%

4.3.3 What percentage of the master’s programs for social sciences in the five selected universities is taught in English?

Between 0-25%

No answer
Between 0-25%
Between 26-50%
Between 51-75%
More than 75%

4.3.4 What percentage of the master’s programs for mathematics and natural sciences in the five selected universities is taught in English?

Between 0-25%

No answer
Between 0-25%
Between 26-50%
Between 51-75%
More than 75%

4.3.5 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 4.3: Université catholique de Louvain (UCL)
Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
Université de Liège (ULg)
Université de Mons (UMons)
Université de Namur (Facultés universitaires Notre-Dame de la Paix – FUNDP)


This answer is provided exclusively for the French-speaking Community

4.4 Select the five biggest universities of your country (by means of number of students) covering all academic fields (humanities, social sciences and natural sciences).

4.4.1 What is the overall percentage of the PhD dissertations in your country that are written in English?

Between 0-25%

No answer
Between 0-25%
Between 26-50%
Between 51-75%
More than 75%

4.4.2 What is the overall percentage of the PhD dissertations in the humanities in your country that are written in English?

Between 0-25%

No answer
Between 0-25%
Between 26-50%
Between 51-75%
More than 75%

4.4.3 What is the overall percentage of the PhD dissertations in the social sciences in your country that are written in English?

Between 0-25%

No answer
Between 0-25%
Between 26-50%
Between 51-75%
More than 75%

4.4.4 What is the overall percentage of the PhD dissertations in the mathematics and natural sciences in your country that are written in English?

Between 0-25%

No answer
Between 0-25%
Between 26-50%
Between 51-75%
More than 75%

4.4.5 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 4.4: This answer is provided exclusively for the French-speaking Community

4.5 Are there any regulations about the language in which a PhD (doctoral) dissertation should be written?

No

4.5.1 Please quote the relevant article(s), including the exact reference.

4.5.2 Is the English translation of the quotation autorized?

4.5.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 4.5: q4.5 There are no accurate statistics on the subject. The given answers are the result
of an informal poll among academics.

4.6 If PhD dissertations can be written In English, is it compulsory to add a summary in the official language or one of the official languages of your country?

No

4.6.1 Please quote the relevant article(s), including the exact reference.

4.6.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

4.6.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 4.6: There is no information available as such on this question.

4.7 Are there any established scientific journals in your country partly or fully published in the official language(s)?

Yes

4.7.1 In what scientific fields are those journals?

4.7.2 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 4.7: This answer only concerns scientific journals partly or fully published in French

4.8 Do foreign students who wish to sign up for a course (conducted in your country’s official language) at a university in your country have to pass a language proficiency test (in your country´s official language) prior to registration?

No

4.8.1 How many universities selected under 4.3 require foreign students (seeking to sign up for a course conducted in your country’s official language) to pass a special language proficiency test (in your country’s official language) prior to registration?

Persentage: n/a

Number: n/a

4.8.2 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 4.8: This answer is provided exclusively for the French-speaking Community.
No language proficiency text in French is compulsory for registration in the
French-speaking Community universities.
However, most universities recommend at least B1 proficiency in French before admission.
Special case :
French :
Chapitre III, Section 2.- Accès aux études du 2nd cycle. – Article 51 & 5.-
Nul ne peut être admis aux épreuves d’une année de master à finalité
didactique ou aux épreuves des études organisées conformément au
décret du 8 février 2001 définissant la formation initiale des agrégés de
l'enseignement secondaire supérieur, s'il n'a fait la preuve d'une maîtrise
suffisante de la langue française.
Cette preuve peut être apportée :
1° soit par la possession d'un diplôme, titre ou certificat d'études
mentionnés à l'article 49, § 1er, délivré en Communauté française;
2° soit par la réussite d'un examen spécifique organisé à cette fin par un
ou plusieurs établissements d'enseignement supérieur, suivant des
dispositions arrêtées par le Gouvernement.
3° soit par l'attestation de réussite d'un des examens, épreuves ou
Concours d'admission aux études d'enseignement supérieur prévus par
ce décret et organisé en Communauté française.
Les universités organisent une épreuve de maîtrise suffisante de la langue
française au moins deux fois par année académique.
7 SEPTEMBRE 1994. Décret du Gouvernement de la Communauté française relatif au régime des études universitaires et des grades académiques




English :
Chapter III, Section 2.- Access to studies of the 2nd cycle. – Article 51 &
5.- No one can be allowed to tests of a master with didactic finality or to
tests of studies organized in conformity to the decree of 8 February 2001
defining the initial training of qualified teachers of higher secondary
education, if he has not sufficiently evidenced his knowledge of the
French language
This evidence can be shown:
1° either through the possession of a degree, a title or a study certificate
mentioned in article 49, § 1, granted in the French Community of
Belgium;
2° or through succeeding for a specific examination taken to that end by
one or more higher education schools, with due respect to provisions
voted by the Government.
3° or through successfully taking one of the examinations, proofs or
competitions to accede studies of higher education provided for by this
decree and organized in the French Community of Belgium.
Universities organize a proof to show sufficient mastery of the French
language at least twice an academic year.
7 SEPTEMBER 1994. Decree of the Government of the French Community of Belgium related to the system of university studies and academic degrees




What is meant by « special language proficiency » is not clear to us.

5. Media

5.1 Are there any daily papers written in a language other than your country’s official language(s) that are produced in your country and distributed nationwide or in a substantial part of the nation?

Yes

5.1.1 Please list the papers.

ZAMAN : this Istambul-based daily has a press office in Brussels. Daily issues in Turkish are
edited and distributed in Belgium.

5.1.2 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

1. The preceding answer may be non-exhaustive because of poor availability of information on foreign language press.
2. List of weeklies and magazines in English :
• The Bulletin : Published weekly, it focuses on political, cultural and social news about Belgium and Brussels for English-speaking residents. It publishes a list of the TV-programmes on the Brussels cable network
• (A)way Magazine: Magazine for international families in Belgium, published every two months. Information on health and well-being, fashion and leisure, kids and education and Belgian life
• New Europe : weekly

5.2 Has/have the official language(s) of your country a declared status as a medium of communication in the public service contracts with radio and/or TV broadcasters in your country?

Yes

5.2.1 Please quote the relevant article(s), including the exact reference.

Quotation in original language: 1. http://www.csa.be/documents/1440
2. http://www.csa.be/documents/1703

Quotation in English: n/a

Reference (name of the law, article number, date): 1. Coordinated decree on audiovisual media
services of 26 March 2009
http://www.csa.be/documents/1440
2. of the management contract of RTBF
covering the period going from 2007 till 2012
http://www.csa.be/documents/1703

5.2.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

5.2.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 5.2: So, the management contract of RTBF indicates that it “must address the whole audience of the French Community of Belgium and all those linked to it through language or culture and brings together the largest audiences (…); it addresses all French speaking persons of Belgium and French speaking Belgians abroad” in the introduction to the management contract. The first article of this management contract reminds us that “RTBF is the autonomous cultural public enterprise of the French Community of Belgium, entrusted with the public radio and television service of the French Community of Belgium and of all those linked to it through language or culture”.
Furthermore, RTBF is compelled, in television, to devote “at least 35% of its broadcasting time, to works wherefore the shooting, the direction or the delegated production are taken care of by French speaking professionals” (article 15.1. b) of the RTBF management contract).
In public and private radios the obligation to “broadcast in the French language, except for the broadcasting of pre-recorded music, does not exist for radiophone channels of RTBF. This applies except when there is a motivated derogation granted by the Authorization and Control College to favour cultural and linguistic diversity within the services” (article 53 §2 1° c))
Local televisions : There is no obligation linked to the French language for the twelve local televisions of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
Remark: private televisions, as well as radios, are submitted to the obligations related to the use of the French language (article 43 of the AMS for televisions and article 53 §2 1° c) of the same decree for radios).

5.3 How do public service television and film distributors in your country generally deal with languages other than your country’s official language(s) when broadcasting foreign films for adults?

5.3.1 Broadcast in original language

Rarely/never

5.3.2 Broadcast in original language with voice-over

Rarely/never

5.3.3 Broadcast with dubbing

Mostly/always

5.3.4 Broadcast with subtitles

Sometimes

5.3.5 Dual-channel sound (broadcast in two languages)

Rarely/never

5.3.6 Other:

broadcast at the same time on two different channels: a dubbed version and a subtitled original version.

Sometimes

5.3.7 Other:

5.4 How do public service television and film distributors in your country generally deal with languages other than your country’s official language(s) when broadcasting foreign films for children?

5.4.1 Broadcast in original language

Rarely/never

5.4.2 Broadcast in original language with voice-over

Rarely/never

5.4.3 Broadcast with dubbing

Mostly/always

5.4.4 Broadcast with subtitles

Rarely/never

5.4.5 Dual-channel sound (broadcast in two languages)

Rarely/never

5.4.6 Other:

5.4.7 Other:

5.4.8 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 5.3: Comments concerning 5.3
- The twelve local televisions of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation broadcast very few (if any) movies. As a consequence, the answer above is only valid for RTBF. However, some local televisions broadcast information or magazines in other national languages than French (for instance the News on BRF – in German – on Télévesdre and a French-Dutch bilingual magazine on Notélé).


5.4 This answer is provided exclusively for the French-speaking Community

5.5 Is there any legal/official regulation in your country concerning the amount of radio broadcasting popular and folk vocal music in the official language(s)?

Yes

5.5.1 Please quote the relevant article(s), including the exact reference.

5.5.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

5.5.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 5.5: Private radios that broadcast music must broadcast 30% of musical works in the
French language (article 53 §2 1° d)). Furthermore, each authorized radio has
been chosen after a call for offers where it had to transmit an authorization
request to the CSA in which it had the opportunity to commit to higher
objectives than those mentioned in the decree. These are the objectives radios
are compelled to comply with. Reversely, some radios benefit from derogations
on this point (thematic radios devoted to electronic music, for instance).
Public radios (of RTBF) have the obligation, in the field of broadcasting sung music in French to broadcast: “at least 30% of non-classical music on French texts on each general channels (Vivacité and La Première); on the musical programming of one of its musical channels, which she chooses, at least 15% of non-classical music on French texts (Classic 21)”. These obligations are mentioned at article 20.4 of the RTBF management contract for the years 2007-2012 (see above).

6. Business

6.1 Is there a legal/official regulation in your country concerning the use of languages in industry, commerce, business or other working environments?

Yes

6.1.1 Please quote the relevant article(s), including the exact reference.

Quotation in original language: La langue à utiliser pour les relations sociales entre employeurs et travailleurs ainsi que pour les actes et documents des entreprises prescrits par la loi et les règlements est le français, sans préjudice de l'usage complémentaire de la langue choisie par les parties.

Quotation in English: The language to be used for social relations between employers and workers, as well as for acts and documents of enterprises prescribed by the law and rules, is the French one, without any prejudice of using complementarily the language chosen by the parties.

Reference (name of the law, article number, date): French :
« Article 2 -30 JUIN 1982. - Décret relatif à la protection de la liberté de l'emploi des langues et de l'usage de la langue française en matière de relations sociales entre les employeurs et leur personnel ainsi que d'actes et documents des entreprises imposés par la loi et les règlements. »
English :
« Article 2 - 30 JUNE 1982.- Decree related to the protection of liberty of language use and of the French language in matters of social relations between employers and their personnel as well as regards acts and documents of enterprises made compulsory through laws and regulations”

6.1.2 Is the English translation of the quotation authorised?

Authorized

6.1.3 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

6.2 In which languages are the companies´ annual reports written in your country? List the ten largest companies (by number of employees). The companies should have their main location in your country and be a major employer.

Company name and status:: Ministère de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (SO)

Rated use of languages:: 1: French

Company name and status:: RTBF (public broadcasting organization of the French-speaking community of Belgium)(SO)

Rated use of languages:: 1:French

Company name and status:: STIB (Brussels public transport)(SO)

Rated use of languages:: 1:French
2:Dutch
3:English

Company name and status:: TEC (Wallonia public transport)(SO)

Rated use of languages:: 1:French
2:Dutch (till 2008)
3:English (till 2007)

Company name and status:: Federal Police (SO)

Rated use of languages:: 1:French
2:Dutch
3: English

Company name and status:: Social Welfare Services (SO)

Rated use of languages:: 1:French
2:Dutch

Company name and status:: Belgacom (Belgian telecommunications company)(P)

Rated use of languages:: 1:French
2:Dutch
3: English

Company name and status:: UCB (Union Chimique belge) (P)

Rated use of languages:: 1:
2:French
3:Dutch

Company name and status:: 9. D’Ieteren(P), 10. Krëfel(P), 11. Spadel(P)

Rated use of languages:: 1: French
2: Dutch
3:English


1:French
2:Dutch
3:English


1: French
2:Dutch

Company name and status:: 12. Solvay(P), Delhaize(P)

Rated use of languages:: 1:French
2:Dutch
3:english


1: French
2:Dutch
3:english

6.2.1 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 6.2: Graduating the companies by number of employees is difficult as figures are not
available for all of them.

6.3 What are the official website languages of those ten companies?

Company name and status:: Ministère de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (SO)

Rated use of languages:: 1: French

Company name and status:: of the French-speaking community of Belgium)(SO)

Rated use of languages:: 1: French

Company name and status:: STIB (Brussels public transport)(SO)

Rated use of languages:: 1: French
2: Dutch

Company name and status:: TEC (Wallonia public transport)(SO)

Rated use of languages:: 1: French
2+3: Dutch - German - English

Company name and status:: Federal Police (SO)

Rated use of languages:: 1: French
2: Dutch

Company name and status:: Social Welfare Services (SO)

Rated use of languages:: 1: French
2: Dutch
3: German

Company name and status:: Belgacom (Belgian telecommunications company)(P)

Rated use of languages:: 1: French
2+3: Dutch - German - English

Company name and status:: UCB (Union Chimique belge) (P)

Rated use of languages:: 1: French
2: Dutch
3: English

Company name and status:: 9. D’Ieteren(P), 10. Krëfel(P), 11. Spadel(P)

Rated use of languages:: 1: French
2: Dutch
3: English


1: French
2: Dutch


1: French
2: Dutch

Company name and status:: 12. Solvay(P), Delhaize(P)

Rated use of languages:: 1: English
2: French (partly)
3: Dutch (partly)


1: French
2: Dutch
3: English

6.3.1 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 6.3: Graduating the companies by number of employees is difficult as figures are not
available for all of them.

7. Dissemination of official languages abroad

7.1 In how many foreign countries around the world (where your country’s language is not an official language) is there an opportunity of obtaining a master’s degree in your country’s official language as a field of study?

0-10 countries

7.1.1 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

7.2 Please indicate the number of universities worldwide where students can obtain a master’s degree in your country’s official language. (Exclude countries where your official language is an official language.)

0-10 countries

7.2.1 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

Comments on 7.1: NB: The statements above is false - see comment:
There are no statistics available in Belgium on the subject. The French EFNIL
member most probably could provide them.

7.3 Which languages are officially taught as foreign languages in your country’s primary and/or secondary schools?

English: Primary school / Secondary school

Japanese: Secondary school

Spanish: Secondary school

7.3.1 Comments on question, explanation of answers, sources

This answer is provided exclusively for the French-speaking Community.
For primary education
Chapter III, Article 9. – Teaching of the second language can be organised from the 5th year of primary education, at the rate of three hours a week maximum
(…).
This second language can be English (or Dutch or German)in Wallonia depending
on the choice of the pupils’ parents.
30 JULY 1963. – Law with respect to the language system in education, as modified on 26 JULY 1971.
For secondary education
-1st degree (pupils from 12 to 14 years old)
A second language is compulsory. It can be English in Wallonia depending on the
choice of the pupils’ parents.
- 2nd degree (pupils from 14 to 16 years old)
English, Italian, Spanish according to studies directions choice (e.g. so-called “Modern languages” sections)
- 3rd degree (pupils from 16 to 18 years old)
English, Italian, Spanish according to studies directions choice (e.g. so-called “Modern languages” sections)
13 SEPTEMBER 2012. Circulaire n° 4140 with respect to the organisation of the compulsory secondary education. Tome 1, chap. 2, III,1 to 3
Notice :
Special OLC programme : « Ouverture aux Langues et aux cultures/Opening
to languages and cultures »
Other foreign languages can be taught from nursery school to secondary school
outside school hours in the frame of the OLC programme. It is based on schools
demands and on agreements with various countries. The languages may be
Arabian, Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, etc.
4 FEBRUARY 2013. Circulaire n° 4295 with respect to the Programme d’ouverture
aux langues et aux cultures (OLC)

8. Language organisations

8.1 What are the most important public, non-governmental but publicly funded, and private organisations for your country’s official language(s) and for the other indigenous languages?

8.1.1

Name (official and English translation): Maison de la Francité
Francité House (language:french)

Language(s):: Non-profit-making organisation

Mission: : Promotion of the French language by
- Facilitating learning and mastery of the French language, whether oral or written, namely for young people and non-French-speaking persons, with inclusion of personal expression and creation.
- Sustaining the reforms launched by large institutions (Higher Council for the French Language, Wallonia-Brussels French Speaking Community, etc.) to simplify and modernize the French language.
- Advocating the legitimate rights of the French language and of its speakers, more specifically the right of any person to receive in its language the messages addressed to him/her. Among others, attend to the good implementation of the linguistic legislation.
- Contributing to the dissemination of the French language in new communication technologies.
- Promoting the belonging of Brussels to the International French-speaking world and its relations to other great French cities on the five continents.
- Welcoming on its premises other French speaking cultural associations that share its objectives.

Relation to national government:: Subsidized by the Commission Communautaire française

Activities:: Publishing of books and periodicals, organisation of exhibitions,
competitions, lectures

URL:: http://www.maisondelafrancite.be/

Structure:: Publicly founded

8.1.2

ame (official and English translation): Association pour la Promotion de la Francophonie (APFF-VBFV)
Association for the Promotion of the French-speaking world (Language: French)

Language(s):: Non-profit-making organisation

Mission: : Promotion of the French language by being an efficient communication tool to all interested in the French language and its culture and maintaining links between French speakers and make them known beyond their frontiers.

Relation to national government:: Subsidized by the Commission Communautaire française

Activities:: Dissemination /production of a magazine on Internet,
- Bimestrial publication of an activity agenda in French,
- Support to the creation of Websites for associations,
- Yearly prize of the French-speaking world.

URL:: http://www.dmnet.be http://www.francophonie.be/ndf/

Structure:: Publicly founded

8.1.3

ame (official and English translation): Comité Roman du Comité belge européen pour les langues moins répandues (CROMBEL)
Roman Committee of the European Belgian Committee for Less Spread Languages
(Lang: Romanic minority languages)

Language(s):: non-profit-making organisation

Mission: : Promotion of the minority regional Romanic languages

Relation to national government:: Under renewable 5-year-long convention with the General Direction for
Culture of the French-speaking Community

Activities:: Publishing (periodicals, original texts)

Structure:: Publicly founded

8.1.4

8.1.5

8.1.6

8.1.7

8.1.8

8.1.9

8.1.10 Feel free to add futher