Regina Coeli
What are you missing out on by not speaking Dutch? You’re reading this edition of HowDo magazine in English. How much of it would you be able to understand if it were written in Dutch? Most of the time, it’s not such a problem if you can’t
pretending to be! Dutch speakers often tuck little
speak Dutch. You’ll generally get a reply in English,
softeners (called ‘hedges’ in linguistics) into their
and a lot of communication is available in English by
sentences—words like perhaps (misschien), rather
default. Yet, you’re missing out on something...
(wel) and only/just (maar). When you’re aware of these, Dutch people suddenly sound a lot more
Five things you’re missing out on if you don’t speak
1. Dutch:
Deeper connections with the Dutch Most Dutch people speak English well enough, but not as well as Dutch, of course. When a Dutch person
5. polite.
Career opportunities Who knows, you may soon see a great opportunity for another job in the Netherlands. Chances are that employer will require knowledge of the Dutch
tells you something in English, it’s often more to the
language. According to Indeed, it is the most sought-
point and less detailed than when they would do so
after language in job vacancies in the Netherlands.
in Dutch. That makes it more complicated to ‘click’
2. 3. 4.
with each other.
Is the reason you haven’t started learning Dutch because everyone around you has said it’s difficult
The Dutch culture
to learn? Then please contact Regina Coeli. Plenty
The language is an important key to the culture.
of people have learnt a foreign language with us.
You’ll find that you better understand the culture
And in a short time even! We’re known for that.
when you learn the language.
You can learn at our language institute (also at the
The humour
weekend!), and we also give online training courses and courses on the High Tech Campus.
What leaves one country rolling on the floor with laughter can leave their neighbouring country scowling. That, too, is culturally determined! What a pity, missing all those good Dutch jokes! The indirect side of the Dutch Are the Dutch so very direct? They’re often just
www.reginacoeli.com +31 (0)73 684 87 90
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