Tips for Bruges please

kb36

Thanks for that - I wil have to look up a few key phrases to avoid impolite replies. So glad I asked my daftish question..

Any sites you may know of...

torontoboy45

BernadetteN wrote: »

Do not even think about speaking French in Brugge unless you start with a polite request as to which language someone speaks. French is understood to a greater or lesser extent by all who have gone through the Vlaams education system but there is a huge reluctance by the majority on both sides of the Belgian language divide to speak the others' language, Dutch (Vlaams) or French. English is more likely to be spoken without a political connotation to it in Vlaanderen where Brugge is situated. Just learn a bit of Vlaams first like ....

Spreekt U Frans of Engels? Do you speak French or English?

This is far politer than just launching into English and if you speak French without asking, I reckon 99% in Brugge that you will get a really impolite reply.

I've only been doing Vlaams lessons a few months but have been able to do my shopping in Vlaams/Dutch and order in a restaurant in Vlaams without a work of English or French. Vlaams/Dutch is really easy once you have mastered their vowels and the "ggghhhh" for a "g".

Right I'm off to school now and shall cross the road briefly and go into Vlaanderen, mutter a few words of Vlaams, then go back across the road into Brussels where French is king!!!! Choosing the right language is big big big here. So yes Belgium is a bilingual country but for most you are either a French speaker or a Vlaams speaker.


http://www.infohub.com/Destinations/Europe-&-Russia/Belgium/Brussels/84411.htm

bang on.

this is what I've discovered. and the polarity has increased in recent yrs, with the flemings flexing a few linguistic muscles. even the battle town of ypres has been renamed ieper, to reflect its geo position ( i.e in flanders).

back to the OP: english is widely spoken in bruges but it doesn't hurt to be a little respectful by at least attempting a few basics:

hello: morgen (pron. mawhern) in the evening say 'narfunt'

thanks you very much: dank u wel (pron. dank ooh well)

please: alastublieft (pron. alstoobleeft)

goodbye: dag (pron. daa).

people tend to respond positively if you at least try.

enjoy brugge. het is prachtigge! (it's wonderful!)

Tarry

Thank you, that is interesting to know