Culture Shock! Belgium
CultureShock! Belgium is the definitive guide for anyone who wants to settle seamlessly into the country famous for its chocolates, mussels, frites, waffles, and beer. Though linguistic differences have divided the land into distinct regions, it is these same differences that have given Belgium much of its cultural diversity and its multi-faceted society. This book will provide you with much-needed knowledge about the three main languages-Walloon, Flemish, and French-and show you the...
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Whether you're conducting business, traveling for pleasure, or even relocating abroad, one mistake with customs or etiquette can leave a bad taste in everyone's mouth. International travelers, now more than ever, are not just individuals from the United States, but ambassadors and impression makers for the country as a whole. Newly updated, redesigned, and resized for maximum shelf appeal for travelers of all ages, Culture Shock! country and city guides make up the most complete reference series for customs and etiquette you can find. These are not just travel guides; they are guides for a way of life.
Note viAcknowledgements viiiDedication ixMap of Belgium xFirst Impressions 1What is Belgium? 4Land and History 6Weather 7Regionalism 9History 10The Belgian People 25Characteristics 26Women's Issues 33Attitudes to Medicine 33The Monarchy 34The Belgian Home 42Law and Order 45Heritage 47Religion 49Socialising and Fitting In 53Regional Differences and Stereotypes 55Belgium: Is It About to Split? 57Belgium and the EU 60View of Foreigners 61Social Institutions and Customs 62Sex and Prostitution 57Homosexuality 68Robbing the Cradle 68Naturism 70Pets 71Settling In 72Formalities 73Finding a Home 75A Citizen'sResponsibilities 78Domestic Help 79Utilities 79What to Bring From Home? 81Education 81Banking 84Taxes 86Shopping 87Health and Hospitals 89Wills and Death Duties 91Transportation 92Leaving Belgium 104Telecommunications 107Food and Drink 111At the Bakery 113Cheese 115Chocolate 116Meat and Meat Attitudes 119Vegetables 121Seafood 122Traditional Belgian Cuisine 126Street Food 127Regional Specialities 128Dining in Belgium 131The Land of Beer 136Wine 144Other Belgian Tipples 147Soft Drinks 148Water 148Coffee and Tea 149Bars and Cafes 149Culture, Sport and Travel 156Belgian Art and Artists 157Cartoon Strips (Bande Dessinee/Stripverhaal) 162Opera, Theatre and Dance 163Cinema 164Music 167Television 172Radio 173Literature 174Sports 176Curious Alternative Sports in Rural Belgium 179Festivals and Events 180Non-annual Pageants 191Going Abroad 193Where to Go? 195Overnight Accommodation 211Information on Events 212Language 216Multilingual Belgians 218Why Do They Speak English So Well? 219Flemish and Nederlands 219French-French versus Belgian-French 222Using Francophone Computers 224Translated Sayings 224Walloon 225Bruxellois 226Belgian German 228Names 229Non-verbal Communication 232Business and Work 234Pay 235Business Etiquette 236Working Environment 236Socialising with Clients and Colleagues 237Bureaucracy 237Unionism 238Unemployment 239Working 'In Black' 239Corruption 239Belgian Businesses 240Currency and Money 241Fast Facts 242The Federal Government 246Famous Belgians 253Place Names 256Acronyms and Other Belgian Catchphrases 259Culture Quiz 265Do's and Don'ts 270Glossary 272Resource Guide 278Further Reading 286About the Author 291Index 292
