Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Of or relating to Flanders, its people, language, or culture: Describes anything originating from or associated with the region of Flanders in Belgium.
   • Of or relating to the Dutch language as spoken in Belgium: Specifically describes the variety of Dutch used in Flanders.

2. Noun:

   • The Dutch language as spoken in Belgium: One of the three official languages of Belgium, closely related to the Dutch spoken in the Netherlands.
   • The people of Flanders collectively: Refers to the ethnic group or inhabitants of the Flemish region.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The museum has a superb collection of Flemish art from the 17th century.
  • She is a native Flemish speaker from Antwerp.

• Noun (referring to the language):

  • He is fluent in French and Flemish.
  • Flemish uses some different words compared to Dutch from the Netherlands.

• Noun (referring to the people):

  • The Flemish have a strong cultural identity.

Advanced Usage

• "Flemish Community": A term referring to one of the three constitutionally recognized communities in Belgium, responsible for culture, education, and language in the Flemish region.

  • The Flemish Community governs matters of education in the Dutch-speaking region.

• "Flemish Movement": A historical and political term for the sociopolitical movement that sought and seeks to promote the rights and identity of the Flemish people.

  • The Flemish Movement gained significant momentum in the 20th century.

Variants and Related Words

• Flem (n., informal): A shortened, informal term for a Flemish person.
  • He's a Flem from Ghent.
• Flandrian (adj.): A less common synonym meaning "of or relating to Flanders."
• Vlaams (n./adj.): The Dutch word for "Flemish," often used in native contexts.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Flandrian (pertaining to Flanders).
• Noun (for the people): Fleming (singular), Flemings (plural).
• Noun (for the language): Belgian Dutch.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The term Flemish as a language is often considered a set of dialects of Dutch, though it is the official standard in Flanders. It is not a separate language from Dutch but a national variety with some lexical and phonetic differences.
• When referring to the people, Flemish is a demonym (e.g., ) or can be used as a noun for an individual (a Fleming is more standard for a single person).

Adjective

1. of or relating to Flanders or its people or language or culture
   • the Flemish population of Belgium
   • Flemish painters

Noun

1. one of two official languages of Belgium; closely related to Dutch
2. an ethnic group speaking Flemish and living in northern and western Belgium