When most people think of the Netherlands, they see picturesque canals and tulip meadows. However, the language used by the natives in this country is its most distinguishing attribute.
Dutch is an enthralling language with enormous potential. So learning it might be beneficial to you.
The Impact Of Dutch Worldwide
There are around 28 million people who speak Dutch worldwide. Moreover, it is most widely spoken in the Netherlands, where approx 16 million people speak the language fluently. Furthermore, Dutch is also commonly spoken in
- Sint Maarten
- France
- Aruba
- Belgium
- Curacao
Dutch, on the other hand, is a Germanic Language. This signifies that it is connected to both German and English.
And since it resembles English, it is among the simplest international languages that people can learn quickly.
But do you know in the United States of America, there are 4.5 million Dutch Americans? Out of those, 36,000 people still speak the Dutch language?
Another fantastic fact about this language is that Martin van Buren was the only President of the United States whose first language was Dutch instead of English.
So, if you want to learn Dutch, you can find several online platforms that offer Dutch lessons in the United States, for example, Superprof!
A Brief History Of The Dutch Language
Dutch is a Germanic language with a complicated past like English and German. About 700 CE, Dutch separated from the rest of the Germanic languages.
Moreover, it was influenced by Low Franconian, the Roman Empire's Western Franks' language.
Soon after, Western Franks came into touch with coastline North Sea Germanic people, and due to their interaction, Old Dutch was born.
However, the earliest documented Dutch texts were not penned until the late 1100s, after Middle Dutch was the most frequent language version.
On the other hand, modern Dutch developed between the 16th and 17th centuries, after grammatical case ends were deleted from nouns.
Hence, even though languages are constantly evolving, Dutch has kept many of the traits gained during standardization.
Moreover, if you want to learn more about Dutch history, register yourself for Dutch lessons in Los Angeles, Chicago, or elsewhere.
5 Benefits Of Learning Dutch As A Second Language
How to learn Dutch and why you should do it? If you're reading this article, these questions might have crossed your mind recently.
However, from a practical aspect, it may not be evident why you need to learn a new language that does not expose you to a key geographical area of the world.
However, learning Dutch is not particularly difficult for English speakers; on the contrary, you could opt to go on this language adventure because it is entertaining and intriguing.
Here are the five most significant reasons to learn the beautiful language:
1. You Can Make 23 Million New Friends
After German and English, Dutch is the third most spoken Germanic language. This dispersion of 23 million fluent speakers extends from South America to Europe.
Moreover, an additional 4 million people speak Dutch as a second language. This means that you can find people who speak Dutch fluently wherever you go.
It won't be difficult for you to expand your network, share your mindset, get along, and travel the world together. So, get yourself a Dutch tutor, and learn the language ASAP!
2. Knowing English Can Benefit You
When you begin learning a foreign language, the adventure you go on might be intimidating at first. But, on the other hand, learning Dutch is a stroll along the beach contrasted to the arduous, uphill sprints that some other languages entail.
Additionally, Dutch is easier to learn for English speakers since it is one of English's closest relatives. Or you can say that they are like old pals: both of these are West Germanic languages, which means that even a total newbie can decipher simple Dutch statements far more quickly than Spanish or Polish ones.
Here's an illustration:
- Case A: Wat is jouw naam?
- English Translation: What is your name, exactly?
Isn't there nothing complicated about that?
You will probably constantly hear your new Dutch pals use familiar words since the Dutch have not yet fought the penetration of Anglicisms into the Dutch language.
Surprisingly, you should not have to go too far beyond the box when it comes to Dutch. If this reason motivates you to learn this fascinatingly easy language, you can take Dutch lessons in New York City, Chicago, or other US cities by hiring a tutor from Superprof.
3. You Can Learn More About Dutch History And Culture
Once you start learning a new language, particularly if you only emphasize practical aspects like vocabulary and grammar, you will better understand the history and culture of its native speakers.
And since the languages you speak can impact your thinking, mastering the Dutch language will offer you considerable insight into how the Dutch people comprehend the world. Learning a language allows you to get insight into Dutch history, culture, and mode of living.
Indeed, most Dutch people know English, but a country's heritage and culture include its vocabulary, sayings, humor, and even music. Therefore, while learning Dutch, you will be capable of learning about all of these diverse parts of Dutch culture.
4. Learning Dutch Can Assist You In Learning Other European Languages
As previously said, the Dutch language is very close to the German and English languages. But have you wondered why is that so?
Dutch is an Indo-European language that falls to the Germanic family, like German and English. The Dutch language has the same Germanic foundation as German, although it incorporates more Romance borrowing than German has (and lesser than English has).
Like German, Dutch vocabulary shares many similarities with the continental Scandinavian languages, although it differs significantly in speech and text.
Therefore, learning Dutch will enable you to understand various other European languages, including:
- Danish
- Swedish
- Norwegian
- German
- English
Whereas these languages are considerably different (mainly in sound), their commonalities with Dutch vocabulary or structure can help you study other languages.
5. Learning Dutch Can Help Boost Your Brain
Learning a foreign language provides various cognitive benefits, including:
- Increased memory
- Multitasking abilities
- Conceptualization ability
- Definite decision-making
On the other hand, learning languages can even help avoid dementia.
Furthermore, unless you already know a foreign language, studying another will be more straightforward since your brain is used to the rigors of learning another language.
As a result, bilinguals frequently find it simpler to acquire a third language.
Moreover, if you wish to add the Dutch language to your bucket lesson, get Dutch lessons in Huston, speak the romantic language fluently, and impress your close ones.
How To Learn Dutch?
"Is Dutch easy to learn?" or "how to speak Dutch?" and several other questions might have crossed your mind while you are deciding to learn Dutch as a second language.
As discussed, people who can speak German and English fluently will have no trouble understanding the Dutch language. However, it does not mean that it will be challenging for others.
The Dutch language is among the most simple and easy to early languages globally. So, if you want to master this art, follow the below-given tips:
Make The Most Of YouTube Channels
YouTube is one of the best mediums to learn Dutch from. However, if you do not want to spend a considerable amount of money hiring a Dutch tutor, that is okay!
You will find several YouTube channels that will help you learn the language in no time.
However, they won't be able to assist you as a tutor can, but at least the channel will help you for a foundation.
Once you start loving the language, opt for a tutor. Several online platforms like Superprof have the best tutors from across the USA. And they can help you learn Dutch as a second language.
Moreover, they do not charge much money. The minimum rate per class is $25, and the maximum is approximately $75, depending upon the tutor's expertise. So, if you want to take Dutch lessons in Atlanta, Chicago, or any other city, feel free to join Superprof!
Watch Dutch TV With Subtitles
Watching Dutch television can drive you insane (nothing's worse than hearing a language on TV for the first time and not comprehending a word); however, trust us: it helps.
That is one of the ideal techniques to listen to a discussion and understand it while reading the subtitles alongside. Many youngsters learn different languages (especially English). Anyone can do that if they want.
Next time you choose to Netflix and chill (or Netflix en chillen), skip the chill and watch the Dutch movies instead. However, if your spouse does not appreciate it, your language abilities will.
Read Children's Books In Dutch
When mastering Dutch, you will have to start from the beginning, like a toddler trying to read and speak words correctly with a simple children's book.
However, we have all done it with our original language at some point. Furthermore, this is considered one of the most acceptable methods to do that with Dutch.
"Jip en Janneke" is a renowned Dutch children's book noted for its simplicity while being intelligently written.
Talk To Others In Dutch And Act You Cannot Speak English
We have all panicked midway through a poorly constructed Dutch statement and finished it with "Spreekt u Engels?" or "Apologies, ik spreek Engels."
The result is usually the individual chinging to English nevertheless. But not anymore – when they switch, you must try to force the language.
So if you are experiencing extreme trouble or the individual is becoming irritated, do not switch back, as you will discover that your skills improve and your linguistic ability bloom. Instead, go ahead and do it – act casual and think you are Dutch!
Learn Dutch With Superprof
As we have already discussed, there are numerous ways to learn the Dutch language. However, if you live in Houston, Chicago, or another busy city, one of the best ways is to hire a personal tutor to help you master the skill.
You must be wondering which online platform would be the best for you? Right? Well, you do not have to worry at all!
Superprof is one of the most reliable and best online tutoring platforms where you can find the best tutors in the United States of America or any part of the world.
Our tutors are skilled, experienced, and professionals who can help you fulfill your dream of learning the Dutch language as a second language.
So do not wander anywhere else; register yourself on Superprof and polish your Dutch skills in no time.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
