Week of the Dutch Language celebrates linguistic evolution

The Week of the Dutch Language (Week van het Nederlands) has commenced, organized by the Vlaams-Nederlands huis deBuren and the Taalunie. This year’s theme, ‘Language in Motion,’ focuses on the evolving nature of the Dutch language.

To explore linguistic change, the International Association for Dutch Studies (IVN) invited Dutch studies students worldwide to identify concepts of movement in their native languages that lack direct equivalents in Dutch. Contributions include the Polish term ‘wygramolić się,’ describing the difficult act of maneuvering out of a tight space, and the German term ‘stratzen,’ meaning to walk or run quickly.

In the Flemish Periphery and Halle regions, the initiative ‘Babbel’ is highlighting various opportunities for people to practice the language through social activities, such as community gardens, sports camps, and library events. The event features poets Maud Vanhauwaert and Roan Kasanmonadi as ambassadors to showcase the emotional and challenging aspects of the language.