A Linguistic Discovery Indeed

This program has provided one of the most enriching learning experiences I have ever had. Unlike the typical lecture course, and the standard study abroad program, the traveling nature of the BENELUX program allowed for first hand study of cultural, historical, artistic, architectural, linguistic, national, ethnic, and individual identities. This unique aspect of the program introduced me to many questions and thoughts about not only the Dutch identity but my own identity and how I define identity in general.

The importance of books, the Archives, Bruges, Belgium

The importance of writing, Leuven University Library, Leuven, Belgium

Going into this program, defining identity seemed as a simple a task as any. It only took about a week's worth of journal entries to realize that my understanding of identity had been limited to national and ethnic identities. Even these two means of defining identity, I now know, present problems. What is a national identity? Is time of residence a factor? How is a person characterized by ethnicity?

Unfortunately, I do not have answers to any of the above questions. I believe the development of such answers would require a lifetime's worth of study. However, at least for the time being, I am content to say that I have broken outside of my once very limited definition of identity, and I now understand how complex a study this concept truly is. I believe my favorite defining element of identity studied this summer, that I have never considered important, is the notion of language. It was eye-opening to learn how important the Dutch language is to the Low Countries and the identity of its inhabitants. My favorite lectures included the Nederlandse Taalunie lecture in The Hague as well as the lecture given by director of the cultural organization Ons Erfdeel, Luc Devoldere on the significance of the French-Belgian Border now dividing the Dutch language and culture into the two regions of French Landers and Belgian Glanders.

The linguistic importance was also stressed during our home stay dinner with former president and first female member to join the Order of the Prince, An De Moor. Playfully, though simulataneously serious, An and her family stressed the importance of Flemish Dutch over Netherlandish Dutch, insisting on its tonally aesthetic qualities.

Witnessing all of this first hand and also learning of the division and tensions between the Dutch and French language, I have come to realize how divided the world truly is. And I do not say this in a negative manner. the world is comprised of so many different countries that possess and want to promote and preserve their cultures that total unification is not only not possible, but should never be allowed. I can completely understand why there are organizations that seek to promote the Dutch language.The universality of the English language, I now recognize, can be interpreted as a threat to multiculturalism, an aspect of our world that I find so special, even if it means learning multiple languages.

After this course, I plan to continue leaning French before moving on to study Spanish. While I found this multi-lingual aspect of the Luxembourg educational system daunting and impossible, its good intentions as they relate to business and the international world are undeniable. I promote bilingualism so intently because I speak only English fluently. I have minimal knowledge of Spanish and French. I believe the American educational system should do more to promote linguistic knowledge. As a country at the forefront of consumerism and international affairs, I believe its citizens should be educated. Because of the English language's relevance, so many Americans arrogantly choose against bilingualism. But after this program, and experiencing firsthand how lost and disorienting and rude it is to enter another country without knowing the language, I believe I have come away with the knowledge of language's importance to culture, society, and individualism.

 

Sophia