Walloons
The term
Walloons (
French:
Wallons,
Walloon:
Walons) refers, in daily speech, to
French-speaking Belgians from
Wallonia. The name is derived from
walhaz which was a name given by the ancient
Germanic Tribes to non-Germanic people. Besides the Walloon - the
Welsh,
Wallis, and
Wallachia are also derived from this word.
Currently, they are one of the two major groups in Belgium, the other being the
Dutch-speaking Flemish. Many non-French-speaking observers use the term 'Walloons' for all Belgian French-speakers as a kind of a handy short-hand.
During the first century of its existence and further, French was practically the sole
official language of Belgium. Before the crisis of
mining industries the Walloons in southern Belgium were dominant. From the second part of the
20th century and up to now, the Flemish have been politically and economically dominant over the Walloons.
Walloon language is a basic element of Walloon identity. This may further explain why many French-speaking inhabitants of
Brussels (most with a distinct Flemish heritage) do not generally see themselves as Walloons; nevertheless, a significant number of them are from Wallonia, and many of these still consider themselves as Walloons. In fact, not all the French-speaking population of Wallonia can be technically considered as Walloons, since a significant portion has various dialects of French or
Luxembourgish as their mother tongue, instead of Walloon.
Note that when referring to inhabitants of
Wallonia with the meaning of
citizen of Wallonia, the word
Wallonian is more commonly used. There is the
German-speaking community of Belgium around
Eupen, in the east of the region, next to
Germany. In this very small community, although institutionally part of Wallonia, many fiercely reject being considered as Walloon. These German-speakers, including Karl-Heinz Lambertz, the leader of their community executive, plead for separation from Wallonia and recognition as a separate region.
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Flemings *
Francophonie*
Walloon Region*
French Community of Belgium
