Podcast Summary: InnerFrench Episode 113 — "Le français belge" (July 8, 2022)

Overview

In this episode of InnerFrench, Hugo and guest Élisabeth Castadeau, professor at the University of Mons, explore the richness and specificities of Belgian French ("français belge"). They discuss how the French language interacts with other official languages in Belgium, the nuances of "belgicisms" (expressions unique to Belgian French), pronunciation differences, and cultural perceptions. The episode also touches on the value and challenges of learning French in a multilingual context.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Linguistic Landscape of Belgium

• Official Languages (05:49)
  • Belgium has three official languages: French, Dutch (Flemish), and German.
  • French is mainly spoken in Wallonia, Dutch in Flanders, German in small eastern communities, and both French & Dutch in Brussels.
  • French used to be the language of the bourgeoisie; dialects like Walloon and Bruxellois were spoken by the working class.
  • The linguistic situation is very different from France’s, with regional and social nuances in language use.
• Multilingualism & Education (08:16)
  • Many Flemings in the north know French due to strong educational emphasis, but Walloons are less likely to know Dutch as it's not compulsory.
  • In Brussels—a cosmopolitan city—students often speak other languages at home.

2. Pronunciation: Myth vs. Reality

• Is There a Belgian "Accent"? (11:14)
  • The stereotypical "Belgian accent" mimicked in French comedy (e.g., by Coluche) is exaggerated and based on historical dialects, not on most Belgians’ speech.
  • Real differences: In Belgian French, the "O" in words like "vélo" or "euro" is often pronounced more openly ("mon vélo" sounds different than in France).
  • Unique vowel distinctions remain, such as the difference between "un" (nasal "an") and "in".
• Example Quote:

  "Ce que Coluche montre, c’est quelqu’un dont le français n’est pas la première langue et dont les particularités de prononciation viennent en fait de… Il y a comme un accent étranger." — Élisabeth (11:36)

• Words with Different Pronunciation: (22:41, 23:06)
  • "Wagon," "WC," "huit" ("huit" pronounced more like "ouit"), "cuisine" ("couisine"), "bruit" ("brouit"), "Bruxelles" pronounced with "s" (“Bruselles”), not "ks" like in French from France.

3. Belgicisms (Lexical Specificities of Belgian French)

• Bruxellois Dialect (25:46)
  • The dialect "bruxellaire" influenced popular speech, particularly among working-class Bruxellois.
  • Films and humor often play on these dialectal nuances; the movie "Dikkenek" is a reference ("dick" = fat, "nek" = neck).
• Examples of Belgicisms (30:09 – 33:49)
  • "Il fait douf" = it’s hot ("douf" means "chaud" — hot).
  • "Zinneke" = a mixed-breed dog; by extension, a person with mixed or undefined origins.
  • "Chouque" = affectionate term ("petit chou" or sweetie).
  • "Mon quête" = little boy.
• Popular Expressions—Myths and Realities (34:17 – 42:22)
  • "Une fois": Yes, exists, but not used as much as stereotypes suggest.
  • "Septante", "nonante" for 70 and 90: Used instead of "soixante-dix", "quatre-vingt-dix".
  • "Il drache": to rain heavily.
  • "Une chic": can mean "chewing-gum" in Brussels and "candy" in Liège.
  • "Je te dis quoi": I'll let you know (no perfect equivalent in French from France).
  • "À tantôt": see you later (used only for the same day).
  • "L’heure de table": lunch break.
  • "Déjeuner-dîner-souper": Belgium uses these terms more like Quebec, but younger people often use "lunch".
  • Quote:

    "Il y a des belgicismes, mais en fait, ce ne serait pas possible de supprimer tous les belgicismes de la manière dont les Belges parlent français." — Élisabeth (20:32)

4. Grammar: "Savoir" vs "Pouvoir" (43:38)

• In Belgium, "savoir" and "pouvoir" are sometimes used differently: "Je ne sais pas entrer" (“I can’t get in”) instead of "je ne peux pas entrer", a usage generally corrected in France.
• Quote:

  "La nuance entre les deux verbes, quand ils sont suivis d’un infinitif, n’est pas très nette." — Élisabeth (43:50)

5. Perceptions, Evolution, and Identity

• Shifting Attitudes (19:18 – 20:32)
  • There is a growing pride in Belgian identity and linguistic differences—boosted by artists and celebrities such as Stromae and Angèle.
  • Previously, Belgians were taught to aspire to the “French of France”; now, the unique Belgian flavor is more celebrated.
• Quote:

  "Il y a un petit retour à une… acceptation de soi, au lieu d’avoir ce regard totalement admiratif par rapport à la France." — Élisabeth (20:32)

6. Value of Learning French in Belgium (47:33)

• Learning Belgian French exposes learners to multilingualism, adaptability, and a creative, flexible approach to French.
• The environment is often more open-minded and tolerant toward linguistic errors from learners.
• Quote:

  "C’est peut-être une manière de découvrir aussi un français qui est très influencé par d’autres langues, donc qui va paraître plus lié à une diversité linguistique..." — Élisabeth (47:33)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [11:36] – Élisabeth: "Ce que Coluche montre, c’est quelqu’un dont le français n’est pas la première langue et dont les particularités de prononciation viennent en fait de… Il y a comme un accent étranger."
• [19:18] – Élisabeth: "Il y a une conscience, en fait, dans la mentalité belge. Attention, le français n’est pas tout à fait notre langue. On doit toujours mieux prouver qu’on le parle, qu’on le parle mieux, même si c’est notre langue maternelle."
• [20:32] – Élisabeth: "Il y a un petit retour à une… acceptation de soi, au lieu d’avoir ce regard totalement admiratif par rapport à la France."
• [43:50] – Élisabeth: "La nuance entre les deux verbes, quand ils sont suivis d’un infinitif, n’est pas très nette."
• [47:33] – Élisabeth: "C’est peut-être une manière de découvrir aussi un français qui est très influencé par d’autres langues, donc qui va paraître plus lié à une diversité linguistique..."

Suggested Resources (51:59)

• Humorous Videos: Guy Homme (humoriste belge), "La Minute Belge"
• Books:
  • Le guide ultime de la Belgitude by Philippe Jeunion
  • Comment devenir belge, vous le restez si vous l’êtes déjà by Gilles Dalle & Fred Jeannin
  • Novels by Amélie Nothomb
• Bande dessinée (Comics): As an accessible entry point to Belgian French.
• Films: "Mon quête" by François Damiens; "Dikkenek"

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction & Context — 00:06
• Meet Élisabeth Castadeau — 03:41
• Belgian Linguistic Landscape — 05:49
• French in Flanders & Brussels — 08:09
• Belgian Pronunciation vs Stereotypes — 11:14
• Words and Pronunciation Specifics — 22:41, 23:06, 24:03
• Belgicisms & Lexical Examples — 25:31, 30:09, 31:44, 32:23
• Testing Belgian French Myths — 34:17
• Grammar Nuances (Savoir/Pouvoir) — 43:38
• Learning French in Belgium: Benefits — 47:33
• Recommended Resources for Learners — 51:59

Tone and Style

This episode was insightful, relaxed, and rich in linguistic anecdotes and cultural reflections. Élisabeth’s expertise and Hugo’s curiosity made for a dynamic, approachable conversation, with plenty of humor—true to the Belgian spirit they discussed.

For the full transcript and further resources, visit: innerfrench.com/podcast/