In this article, the polarizing tendencies in Sint-Genesius-Rode are described, a municipalitywith language facilities in the Flemish Periphery around Brussels. Through ethnographicresearch based on a broad range of data, the processes are revealed that underliethe differentiation between the Dutch and French-speaking members, who fall into differentlanguage communities but live in the same village. The complex processes are given amultifaceted view and tell us something about the local history of the Dutch-speaking peoplewhich constructs a feeling of ownership of the territory. Language is hereby used todefend the own culture and space and to denominate the differences that are being felt.
