question_answer 4)

The Mayor of Merchtem, a town near Brussels in Belgium, has defended a ban on speaking French in the town's schools. He said that the ban would help all non-Dutch speakers integrate in this Flemish town. Do you think that this measure is in keeping with the spirit of Belgium's power sharing arrangements? Give your reasons in about 50 words.

Answer:

No, the measure taken by the Mayor of Merchtem is not in keeping with the spirit of Belgium's power sharing arrangement. As 59% of the population in the Flemish region speaks Dutch language, the ban on speaking French in the town's schools would prevent French and Dutch speakers to mingle with each other, and also create feelings of distrust and suspicion. The ban ignores the regional differences and cultural diversities. It is the spirit of accommodating every linguistic group, and creating the environment for everyone to live. In fact, it makes the ground for a civic right and a possible division of the community on linguistic lines.