Lies Van Overschée Observes Language and Inequality

Why this is here: Van Overschée notes that vocabulary is “often vooral geërfde toegang”—often inherited access—rather than simply talent, highlighting the role of privilege in language acquisition.

Lies Van Overschée, who leads the community center De Platoo in Koekelberg, Belgium, reflects on language as a marker of social inequality. She notices how language shifts depending on the context, moving between formal Dutch and French in meetings to more casual, Brussels slang with friends. Van Overschée observes how even seemingly neutral language carries assumptions—like the default masculine form of “zijn” (his)—and reinforces existing power dynamics.

She considers how vocabulary is often mistaken for talent, when access to books and resources plays a larger role. People use language, whether complex academic terms or slang, to signal belonging and shared understanding. A recent message from her child confirms the use of multiple languages within the family, blending Dutch and French.

Van Overschée acknowledges language is rarely kind and that fully neutral language may be unattainable. She continues to consider how language reflects and perpetuates disparities in opportunity and background.