Etty Hillesum: a Life Interrupted, a Spirit Unperturbed

The Amsterdam house where Jewish writer Etty Hillesum wrote her famous diary during WWII is in danger of being demolished. Philippe Noble, who translated her work into French, tells us why the writings she left behind are still as powerful ...


A Fleming Is a Belgian Who Speaks Dutch

When it comes to language, Belgium has a complex history. That is beautifully illustrated by the position of French-language literature written at the end of the 19th century by Flemings.


Solidarity Is the Highest Form of Culture

The Flemish government has proposed severe cuts in arts funding over the next few years. In 2011, the cultural sector in the Netherlands was forced to make do with a budget cut of about 200 million euro. What can the Flemish artists learn f...


A Standard Language Is a Dialect With an Army

Have you ever heard of “suburban Flemish” and “Polderdutch”? Editor-in-chief Luc Devoldere about the tension between dying dialects, weird "in-between-languages" and overpowering standard languages.


Who Is in Charge of Language?

When it comes to Dutch, editor-in-chief Luc Devoldere states that it is not clear who determines which language norms to respect and which rules to adhere to.


What About the Truth?

This year, the Month of Philosophy in Belgium and the Netherlands is dedicated to the concept of truth.


When the Red Devils Kicked For Gold

At the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp, Belgium became the worlds best football team by winning gold after a controversial match against Czechoslovakia.


Latin Was the Only Truly European Language

Latin is often denounced for being elitist, but people tend to forget that, before, anyone had to master it as a second language. Therefore, not a single European nation could feel disadvantaged by Latin.


Adam and Eve Spoke Dutch

16th century humanist Jan van Gorp believed that Dutch was the only language that originated directly from the Proto-Human language and was still very similar to it.


Why Flanders Is Mad about Cycling



Motorway Museum

Works of art along the motorway: the cross of Fabre, chaos and a cyclops.


Let Us Be Ungovernable

Where once there was a checkpoint in France, the slogan 'Let us be ungovernable' can be read along the border. Luc Devoldere wonders what the graffiti artists mean by this.


Long Live the Crisis of Democracy?

Just going by today’s headlines, the end of Western democracy seems imminent. However, is a crisis not the essence of a democracy?


Spread the Spark

Editor-in-chief Luc Devoldere bids his readers farewell.

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