The recent complaint against an NMBS conductor who greeted passengers in both Dutch and French has sparked debate about language use on Belgian trains. The incident, which occurred just inside Flanders, was reviewed by the Vaste Commissie voor Taaltoezicht on 2025-07-12 13:36:00. This case highlights ongoing tensions around bilingual communication in public transport.
- Conducteur verwelkomt reizigers tweetalig op trein
- Vaste Commissie voor Taaltoezicht oordeelt fout
- Klacht tegen conducteur blijkt gegrond verklaard
- NMBS pleit voor soepelere taalregels
- NMBS benadrukt klantvriendelijkheid in communicatie
The conductor’s choice to say “goedendag-bonjour” was deemed incorrect by the language oversight committee, emphasizing strict adherence to regional language rules. Yet, NMBS continues to advocate for more flexible and customer-friendly language policies. How should conductors balance legal language requirements with the diverse linguistic needs of Belgian travellers?
Does strict enforcement of language rules improve communication or create unnecessary barriers? This case raises important questions about language policy in Belgium’s complex linguistic landscape. Key points include:
- The legal obligation for conductors to use the region’s official language only
- The practical challenges of addressing multilingual passengers on border routes
- NMBS’s call for customer-friendly flexibility in language use
- The potential impact on passenger experience and inclusivity
As Belgium’s transport authorities consider future language policies, will they find a balance that respects legal frameworks while embracing the country’s linguistic diversity? Passengers and employees alike await clearer, more practical guidelines that reflect Belgium’s multilingual reality.