The first thing we encounter while moving from one place to another is the language. Though English has become a universal language, still it is accessible to those with the privilege of education. And even if the people speak in English, the majority will use it as conversational and formal exchange, not social or emotional exchange.
If you are planning to move to Holland/Netherlands, you would definitely need to learn the language of the land, i.e., is Dutch.
You may find many listicles telling you the top five reasons to learn Dutch, but we give you the soul and the heart, the three most important reasons you cannot afford to miss out on learning DUTCH.
1. You will miss out on things:Though a vast population speaks English when spoken to, you will always find yourself clueless when they start talking to each other. Any indirect conversation where you are a passive listener will not be understandable. In cafes, hotels, buses, job-places, schools and universities, the conversations going around you will be in Dutch. People will switch to English only while talking to you.
And that’s how one feels alienated.
2. Dutch is not just a language; it is a whole culture:
Everyone loves to explore, enjoy, and travel to new places, especially as beautiful as Holland. And what is more important to explore and engage than a language. If you know the local language, you can connect to a broader population, access more information and make deeper connections.
It’s said, the young speak but the old tell. If you know the local language, you can hear all those amazing stories from the elders, get a sneak-peak into the rich culture and incredible folklores and Dutch fairy tales.
3. Daily life becomes much, much easy.
Had a lot of drinks and want to find a washroom? But don’t know the language. Not an issue; you can use the signs or gestures. But do you know gestures or signs are not universalised, and what may seem like a THANK YOU or OK in your country, the same sign can mean an obscene vulgarity in another.
Moreover, not every time you can keep asking people to help you out throughout the day. Reading road signs, newspapers, menus, lists, broadcasts etc., is a part of your daily life, and Dutch, my friend, is your best friend when in Holland. It gives independence. Also, filling forms and taxes, asking for allowances etc., saves your money on a third-party translator.
Some other benefits of learning Dutch are
- Access to many places as Dutch is spoken in Belgium, Suriname, and the Caribbean, specifically Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten.
- Similarity with Afrikaans, spoken in South Africa and Namibia, is an added benefit of learning Dutch.
- Easier to learn if you know English.
- Helpful in job hunting.
- Fun and a cool language to speak.
With our Dutch Expert, learning Dutch becomes even easier and more fun. Check here for our online Dutch language course.
