Belgium: First Name or Title?
From ExecutivePlanet.com
Addressing others with respect
Although it is becoming increasingly common for colleagues to use first names at work, this practice remains rare when there is a distinct difference in age or position and when dealing with 'outsiders' such as clients, suppliers, etc.
First names are still generally reserved for close friends, so you should always use the standard courtesy titles followed by the surname [and, by extension, use the vous form with French-speakers] until invited to switch to first names [and so, eventually, to use tu]. A Fleming is more likely to invite you to use his or her first name sooner than a Walloon and both sooner than a French-speaker from Brussels.
The Dutch forms of address are: meneer ['Mr'], mevrouw ['Mrs'] and mejuffrouw ['Miss']; there is also a distinction between the informal second-person pronouns used for family and friends and the formal form for strangers and superiors.
On the reasonable assumption that most foreign businessmen are not fully conversant with Dutch, however, it is easiest to apologise for your ignorance in English and proceed to use 'Mr', 'Mrs' etc. On the other hand, it would be courteous, and would certainly make a good impression, if you were to address envelopes, letters, faxes and e-mails in Dutch; thus: de Heer ['Mr'], Mevr. ['Mrs'], Mej,['Miss'],and Mw.['Ms']. Above all, though, you should try to avoid addressing a Fleming in French.
With French-speakers, you should use the courtesy titles Monsieur ['Mr'] and Madame ['Mrs']. The use of Mademoiselle ['Miss'] is becoming rarer in a business environment that reflects changes in society as a whole; whereas previously the distinction was based on a woman's marital status, this is no longer deemed appropriate and Madame is customarily used to convey respect for a any woman's professional standing and dignity. Unless a senior businesswoman wishes to stress that she is not married, therefore, Madame is widely used to signify greater experience and achievement in life regardless of marriage. Mademoiselle, however, remains the correct mode of address for girls and young women who are not perceived to have attained a certain, undefined level of 'maturity'; at the risk of seeming sexist and patronising, it might be suggested that [young] waitresses, shop assistants, telephonists, receptionists and even secretaries could potentially fall into the latter category. As always, though, it is best to err on the side of caution and respectful formality.
The order of names is generally the same as in North America, i.e. the first name is given before the surname. Some French-speakers, however, may introduce themselves by giving their surname first, which can be confusing if both sound like first names [for example, the French footballer Thierry Henry]. If in doubt, ask.
Belgians are not generally hung up about academic and/or professional titles.
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