Bienvenue en Belgique

Today begins my first full month in the beautiful country of Belgium. I officially arrived Saturday the 20th of August and have been taking my time familiarizing myself with both the language and the culture of the town. As a foreigner, and as an American, I feared the reactions of those around me due to my nationality. It seemed to me that I would be treated rudely because that is how I thought Americans were precieved. However, upon arrival I found that the majority of people I have come in contact with are in fact very accomadating to Americans.

This intrigued me and led me to inquire more on the subject. In the words of the lovely gentleman in my Rotary club, "C'est parce que les americains ont aidé pendant la guerre et maintenant, les Bèlges sont souvenus ça et ils aiment les americains." For those who are unfamiliar with French, I discovered that during the times of war, the Americans came to the aid of Belgium, and many other countries in Europe. In Belgium, they remember vividly the freedom that the American soldiers brought their country and are grateful for that. Thus, Americans are respected and treated well in this country.

Not only is Belgium accommodating to people from America, but to people of all different backgrounds. Everywhere in Belgium, one can find signs in four languages. The languages of Belgium are French, English, Dutch, and German. Almost all politicians speak very slowly when addressing a crowd so that all can comprehend. This is one of the reasons speeches last as long as they do. Another reason is because they repeat everything they say in three languages. Normally it begins in French, because the people here who have french as a first language rarely know the others. It is followed by Dutch and finished in English. When comparing this to speeches given in the United States it is very different. Our politicians are often found to be eloquent, however despite the vast diversity in the country, discourse is only recited in English. In a way I believe that is a good thing because the majority of people, from around the world, can understand even the most basic English. At the same time, it squanders the individuality, and diminishes respect for the other cultures that make America what it is. By reciting the same speech in a multitude of languages, I feel as though it is a respect for the differences that make Belgium unique. One of the reasons that I chose this country for my Rotary Exchange was because of the three main cultural elements and how they are able to exist together harmoniously. For the most part.