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A simple search on the Internet demonstrates the ongoing argument on the differences between Dutch and Flemish.
Dutch is currently used by approximately 21 million people throughout the world as their language of government, administration, education and culture. It is mainly spoken in the Netherlands and the northern part of Belgium called Flanders, where they also speak Flemish.
Officially, the language of the Netherlands and Flanders is the same – Dutch. Flemish is a dialect of this language. As with all dialects, there are some phonological, lexical and even grammatical differences between them and their source.
According to our Dutch translators, the difference between Flemish and Dutch in the Netherlands (standard Dutch) is considerable in spoken language, but minor in written.
However, much like the differences between UK and US English, even though the written differences are minor, they can still be considered annoying!
There are few differences in spelling between the two but quite a few grammatical differences, for example, word order and especially the positioning of verbs in sentences.
All Belgians are now taught “standard Dutch” at school and in European institutions “standard Dutch” is used by all interpreters. This is because Dutch-speaking delegates can be both Flemish and Dutch, and in order to be understood by both parties, all interpreters have to use ‘standard’ Dutch words and expressions.
For texts specifically targeted at Belgian Flemish speakers, Roevin provides Flemish mother tongue translators to ensure that the text is localised for the Belgian reader.
Roevin has been working with HBOS translating customer service literature into Welsh for several years.
By publishing customer literature in Welsh, we are demonstrating that we are proud to be doing business in Wales and that we respect the culture and the community.”
Lorna recently celebrated her first anniversary as Account Manager in Roevin’s Glasgow office. After graduating from the University of Ulster with a BA (Hons) in Applied Languages, Lorna moved to Scotland to study for an MSc in Marketing at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.
Roevin is proud to be a sponsor of the 
The ImechE has been established for 150 years and is the United Kingdom’s qualifying body for mechanical engineers. Around 75,000 engineers world-wide are members.