Discusses the theoretical aspects of ethnic contact and conflict in multilingual situations, the experiences of different categories of linguistic minorities in Europe, and the manner in which Belgium has handled language contact and conflict. Argues that the territorial solution adopted in Belgium can serve as a role model for language policy…

Discusses the effects of government language policies in Belgium, which have divided the country into Dutch-, French-, and German-speaking areas with no linguistic rights for speakers of other languages, except in multilingual Brussels. Maintains that the federalization of the Belgian state has not settled the country's linguistic strife. (33…