Sargsian Anna Zakarovna – graduate student of the Regional Studies Department, Institute of Foreign Languages, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia
The administrative structure of modern Belgium was formed largely under the influence of a linguistic factor, clearly expressed in the conflict between French-speaking Wallonia and Flemish-speaking Flanders. The confrontation between these two regions has left a deep imprint on the political structure and the federal system of the country. The problems associated with migration were superimposed on the existing linguistic and ethnic contradictions between Flanders and Wallonia. Some of the migrants who flooded into Europe and settled in Belgium originate from the French-speaking area of African states. This circumstance, along with the peculiarities of the political polarization of Flanders and Wallonia, partly determines the number of migrants in the Belgian regions and the dynamics of their social integration. At present, Flanders, which has radically transformed over the past half century, has taken the place of Wallonia as the «engine» of the Belgian economy. Flanders is ahead of Wallonia in both economic and demographic terms, which makes it more attractive to migrants. However, living in a region with pronounced nationalist anti-French and sometimes anti-migrant and anti-Muslim sentiments is associated with considerable discomfort for French-speaking immigrants. The article deals with issues related to the adaptation of French-speaking migrants in the Flemish region. Particular attention is paid to the socio-political factors that determine the views of the Flemish right on migration issues. In addition, measures taken by the regional government and local organizations to improve the situation are analyzed. It is concluded that at the moment the process of adaptation of French-speaking migrants in Flanders is complicated, but the situation is gradually changing and there are some positive trends.
migration, African migrants, migrant adaptation, francophonie, regional conflict, language conflict, Flanders, Wallonia, Belgium
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