Why learn Dutch

So how useful is Dutch?

• Dutch is, of course, the national language of the Netherlands; the Dutch call it “Nederlands” or “Hollands”. It is also the main language spoken in the northern part of Belgium, known as Flanders. There the language is usually referred to as "Flemish" or “Vlaams”. Dutch and Flemish are sometimes regarded as two languages, sometimes as one!
• The written forms of the two languages are pretty much the same; the spoken forms are a little different, but if you know one, you will have no trouble making yourself understood in the other. Maybe make a comparison with the difference between British English and American English.
• The Afrikaans language spoken in South Africa is descended from Dutch, but varies quite a lot from the original, so that most people would now see it as a separate language. However, if you have a knowledge of Dutch, you will understand a lot of the Afrikaans signs in South Africa, and also make yourself understood.
• Some people in the north of the Netherlands speak a different language called Frisian. However, they also speak Dutch, to which Frisian is related, in any case.
• The Dutch are famous for being great linguists, and it is true that most people also speak English, so you can certainly get by on a short visit. However, there are plenty of signs which only appear in Dutch, and even a limited knowledge of the language will help you to get around. And because not that many foreigners learn Dutch, if you give it a go, your efforts will be particularly well-received!
• Dutch migrants have had a big influence on New Zealand, and many Kiwis are of course of Dutch descent. However, knowledge of the language has often been lost, and in order to connect with their heritage a lot of people feel the need to learn at least the basics of the Dutch language.
• Although small, the Netherlands and Flanders have made huge contributions to world art, and their museums and art galleries are truly world-class. The unique styles of architecture and town planning, often based on waterways rather than roads, are fascinating, and give the towns and cities a unique character.
• Dutch engineering skills can be seen in the amazing network of dams and dykes which keep the sea out of the land!
• Young Kiwis can go and work in the Netherlands or Belgium for one year under a working holiday scheme. If you work in the country, you would generally be expected at least to get by in the language!
• The Netherlands and Flanders are very densely populated, and it is intriguing to see how people use the space they have to the full – and still manage to leave large areas for farming and recreation.
• Young Dutch people are generally well-informed, open-minded and keen to meet people from other countries. The cities they live in are very lively, dynamic places.

Find out more about learning Dutch with Euroasia. Or to enrol for a Dutch course, go straight to Dutch timetable!