Language as facilitator. The role of barrier effects in cross-border cooperation along the Dutch border
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2017-07-24
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en
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Abstract
In this thesis, the role of barrier effects on cross-border cooperation in the Dutch-German and Dutch-Belgian border region has been examined. Specific emphasis has been placed on the role of language within cross-border cooperation in the Dutch-German and Dutch-Belgian Interreg cross-border regions. Through a literature review, in-depth interviews with participants in cross-border cooperation and participant observation sessions with Interreg V-A projects, a sketch of the effect the Dutch border has on cross-border cooperation has been made. Three main groups of border effects have been identified: administrative barriers, cultural barriers and language barriers. Administrative barriers are considered the strongest barriers for cooperation, whilst language barriers are considered the least relevant for cooperation.
Language differences do act as catalysts for other barrier effects. Along the Dutch-German border, Dutch and German are used primarily in socio-cultural projects. English plays an important role in high-tech and research oriented projects. Along the Dutch-Belgian border, the primary language used is Dutch. Still, in high-tech and research oriented projects, English is common. If there are differences in language, other barrier effects are reinforced and harder to circumnavigate. Moreover, lagging language proficiency triggers exclusion of certain groups of people in cross-border cooperation. The other way around, a good command of the language used enables more efficient cooperation processes.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen