Filologija, No. 86, 2026.
Case report, case study
Languages of the Netherlands and the Value of Language Identity
Nikola Rašić
Abstract
The paper examines the multiplicity of languages in the Netherlands, where Dutch is the undisputed official language. Dutch belongs to the group of Low Franconian languages and is standardized into several variants, including Flemish in Belgium. The paper also analyzes dialects and regional variants, as well as the historical and cultural connections between the Netherlands and Belgium. Flemish and Dutch cannot be considered separate languages, although speakers maintain multiple specific national identities. There is also a discussion on Frysian, Low Saxon and Limburgish idioms, their status, and their influence on languages within the Netherlands. The question of the relatedness and belonging of Low Saxon speech to the entirety of Dutch or German language is raised, a subject that Katičić addressed, claiming that the Low Saxon idiom belongs to the same roof language as Dutch (which is debatable, if not completely incorrect). A review of various unrelated languages spoken in the Netherlands and within the Kingdom, which includes some Antillean islands, is also provided. Through the analysis of linguistic and social aspects, the complexity of the Dutch language identity is highlighted, calling for a reevaluation of the perception and value of language in society.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
349157
URI
Publication date:
11.7.2026.
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