Answer

Flemish, in their eyes, was only acceptable as a second-class language, a language without any prestige, which could not possibly function as the common language of Belgians. Not only that, at the outset Flemish was also associated with the (pro-Holland) opponents of the Belgian revolution. When the disturbances had died down, the Belgian state started to adopt a more positive stance towards Flemish language and literature, all things Flemish being looked upon as typically Belgian, a folkloric side of Belgian culture, something which made Belgium stand out against France, its big southern neighbour. Hence, Hendrik Conscience and other major Flemish writers were paid with posts in the civil service and many others were awarded prizes and grants, yet ´Flemish legislation´ designed to legally guarantee the place of Flemish in public life (in public administration, education, justice and the army), whether in the country as a whole or just in Flanders, was a no go in the opinion of the authorities.

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