As Flemish Language Learning Declines in Walloon Schools, English Rises in Popularity
The number of students choosing Flemish courses is dropping in Wallonia, with English now the preferred first foreign language for most students, even as officials set ambitious goals to revive interest in Flemish and German.
Wallonia is witnessing a notable shift in language education as fewer students opt to learn Flemish in schools, while English has emerged as the top choice for a first foreign language. According to Education Minister Valérie Glatigny, while the total number of students taking Flemish across the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles did show a slight increase to 115,000 for the 2024-2025 academic year, this masks a 2.9% decrease specifically within Wallonia. Glatigny stated that about 70% of Walloon students now select English as their primary foreign language, outpacing both Flemish and German.
In response to the declining interest, the ministry has set targets to make Flemish or German the foremost foreign language for students by 2027. However, the success of these objectives largely depends on the availability and training of qualified teachers—a significant challenge given the current shortage of Flemish and German instructors. Some schools are struggling to staff these classes, leading to certain Flemish lessons being replaced with remedial or support sessions rather than full academic courses.
To make Flemish more attractive to young people and bolster language education, authorities are exploring several solutions, including student and teacher exchanges between the French and Flemish communities, as well as immersion programs. Minister Glatigny emphasizes the need to spark interest in Flemish from an early age and notes that the ministry is conducting in-depth studies to better understand why so many students are reluctant to choose the language. Comprehensive efforts are underway to address both teacher shortages and the broader cultural appeal of learning Flemish in the region.
