Get to know the local lingoYou have undoubtedly noticed that many Belgians can get by in English. But you will surprise them if you answer in one of the two official languages. Why not even try learning the local Brussels dialect?

Here is a selection of links to basic classes on the Internet and dictionaries to help you get acquainted with French, Dutch and.... "bruxellois". The latter is the hybrid language you can still hear spoken on Sunday mornings at the Place du Jeu de Balle, and is even the subject of an Assimil language guide.

French

Alphabet - www.swarthmore.edu Dictionaries - www.french-linguistics.co.uk Basic courses and personal sites - www.bbc.co.uk - www.frenchassistant.com - lexiquefle.free.fr - www.bonjour.com

Dutch

Alphabet - www.omniglot.com Dictionaries - www.lookwayup.com Basic courses and personal sites - www.forbeginners.info - www.didaclic.be - www.linguistmail.com

Brussels dialect

- www.eurobru.com - www.geocities.com Whilst we're at it, here are some words in « wallon », the dialect spoken in the south of the country www.moti.walon.org