Approximately 23 million people speak the Dutch language globally. The Netherlands, Suriname, and the Dutch Antilles are among the countries where it is spoken.
The Dutch language has its own dialects and variations that depend on the region it is spoken. And if you live in Houston, the number of Dutch speakers there will give you enough reason to learn the language.
So if you want to learn more about the impact of Dutch in America and the world, keep reading:
The Dutch Language: Specifics And Why You Should Learn It
There are three main dialects of Dutch:
- Hollandic (spoken in Holland)
- Brabantic (spoken in North-Brabant)
- Limburgish (spoken in Limburg)
And although Dutch speakers can be found worldwide, they are most concentrated in Belgium, Netherlands, Suriname, and Aruba.
A significant proportion of the world's websites are also written in Dutch, making it one of the world's most popular languages for web content as well.
You will definitely have fun if you find interactive Dutch lessons in Houston or New York City. The classes are designed for beginners so that you can learn Dutch right away.
There are a few reasons why Houston is a great place to learn Dutch. The first is that it has a large Dutch population, the second is that the city has many Dutch-speaking neighborhoods, and finally, because of its proximity to Belgium.
The Netherlands has one of the highest percentages of native speakers in Europe, and it's not hard to find Dutch speakers in Houston, Atlanta, or other cities of the United States.
There are more than 100,000 people who speak Dutch as their first language in Houston and more than one million people who speak it as their second language.
Background Of Dutch Language
The origins of the Dutch language are uncertain, but it is believed to have developed from Middle Frankish, which was spoken in what is now Northern France and Southern Belgium.
The Dutch language developed from the dialects of Low Saxon, which are now extinct. The dialects were originally spoken by Germanic tribes who invaded the Roman Empire in the 2nd century.
This invasion was known as the Germanic migration or "Völkerwanderung."
The Dutch language has its roots in the Germanic languages of the Franks. The Franks spoke a dialect called Frankish, which eventually became French.
They then migrated to what is now Belgium and Germany, where they mixed with other tribes who had settled there before them.
These settlers spoke various dialects descended from Latin or Germanic languages spoken by earlier tribes, and these dialects mixed to form what we know today as Dutch.
Dutch was first used in writing during the 13th century when Flemish merchants exported woolen cloths and linen clothes to England.
It is also the parent language of Afrikaans, which was created in the 1830s from the dialects of Dutch spoken in South Africa.
Due to their proximity, there are many similarities between the French and Dutch languages. Dutch is the third most widely spoken Germanic language globally, after English and German.
Furthermore, the most notable influences on Dutch are from:
- Latin (due to Rome's rule over parts of the Low Countries)
- Old Norse (due to Viking rule over parts of modern-day Denmark)
- French (due to the French control over parts of modern-day Belgium)
The Dutch Culture
The Dutch culture is very different from other cultures. The Dutch are always very open and honest with their opinions. They are also straightforward and to the point; they don't beat around the bush.
The Dutch culture is not just about being open and honest; the Dutch are also laid back and fun-loving people.
They are said to be some of the happiest people globally, with over 80% of them saying they are satisfied with their lives.
They have a high quality of life, with high-quality healthcare and education, which is why they also have one of the lowest crime rates in Europe.
Read on as we delve into the facets of Dutch culture:
Cuisine
Unlike other countries, Dutch cuisine has less of a regional difference. This is because of the country's small size and lack of natural resources, which has forced people to come up with recipes that could be made anywhere in the country.
Besides, many types of dishes are eaten in this country, including stews, soups, herring, meatballs, pancakes, pastries, and cheese.
Art
Dutch culture is also characterized by its love of art. As a result, a casual stroll around Amsterdam will expose you to several museums and street buskers.
The museums are located all over the country and have different types of exhibits with various paintings, sculptures, drawings, and other kinds of art.
We can find some examples of Dutch art in the Rijksmuseum, which has an extensive collection of paintings, including Rembrandt's Night Watch and Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring.
There is also the Van Gogh Museum, exhibiting art by Vincent Van Gogh, including Self-Portrait with Straw Hat and Sunflowers in a Vase on his Table.
Sports
The Dutch organize activities for all ages, including cycling tours, running events, and swimming sessions.
And since they value health and exercise, they also have fitness centers where people can work out with professional trainers.
Some of the most popular events are the bicycle tour through the Netherlands and the Amsterdam marathon. The bike tour takes place on Saturday mornings during summertime and starts at 2 AM from Utrecht Central Station.
Participants cycle to different cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or Breda before returning to Utrecht on Sunday evening.
Meanwhile, the Amsterdam marathon is another annual event that takes place every October in Amsterdam.
Music
Dutch music can be categorized into folk, popular, and classical. Folk music is the oldest form of Dutch music, and it has its origins in the rural life of the Netherlands.
Music has been an essential part of this culture since the Middle Ages, when religious chants were sung in churches.
It is also a big part of Dutch history as many composers from the Netherlands have become famous all over Europe, such as Johan Sebastian Bach.
It has been enriched by influences from abroad, such as Scandinavia and Latin America. As a result, newer Dutch music includes pop, rock, jazz, dance, and hip hop.
However, the most famous Dutch composers of all time include Johan Wagenaar (1806-1868), Jan van Gilse (1854-1928), and Willem Pijper (1894-1937).
Why Should You Learn Dutch?
Learning Dutch is a great way to open up new opportunities for an individual. For instance, if you're looking for a job in the Netherlands or Belgium, there is no better way than to be a Dutch speaker.
Most people in these countries speak Dutch, and it will be challenging for you to get by without getting familiar with the Dutch language.
Dutch is also one of the official languages of the European Union, and it is spoken by over 23 million people worldwide.
The Netherlands has an open economy with low international trade and investment barriers, so if people learn Dutch, it will help them tap into the global market.
Besides, learning Dutch can help you communicate with people from other countries that speak this language, whether from Belgium, the Netherlands, or somewhere else.
Let's look at some of the prominent reasons for learning Dutch!
- It is an international language
- It is one of the easiest languages for English speakers to learn due to its similarity with English
- Learning Dutch can make travel easier
- Learning Dutch can help you find a job in Europe
- The Netherlands has a high standard of living
- It's an important language for business and trade in Europe
How To Learn The Dutch Language?
A lot of people wonder, "Is Dutch easy to learn?" Well, learning and mastering the Dutch language is not an easy task, especially if you're learning in a competitive cities like Chicago or Houston.
You need to consider many different factors before you set out on your journey to learn Dutch. When it comes to learning any language, the most crucial factor is time.
Establish A Routine
When learning Dutch, the first thing you should do is establish a routine for yourself. You should make sure you spend at least thirty minutes every day studying the language, even if it's just watching a video.
Enroll In An Institute
There is no need to Google "how to speak Dutch?" There are several accessible ways to learn the Dutch language.
One way is to take a Dutch course from a reputable school or university. You can also enroll in an online course or buy a Dutch language book and study independently.
The Dutch language classes can be grouped into three main categories: immersion, self-study, and online courses.
Immersion is when you are in a country where the Dutch language is spoken. This will allow you to practice the language in all aspects of life.
Self-study courses will provide you with materials that will help you learn the language by yourself.
Online courses provide learners with an interactive experience that can be done from anywhere in the world.
Find A Private Tutor For Regular Dutch Or Pennsylvanian Dutch
Another thing you can consider when learning Dutch is to find a good teacher or tutor for yourself, preferably one who has experience in Dutch tutoring beforehand.
Some people also wonder, "how to speak Pennsylvania Dutch? Pennsylvania Dutch is a language spoken in the American state of Pennsylvania.
And since it is an unofficial language, it's not recognized by the government.
Pennsylvania Dutch can be considered a dialect of German with influences from other languages, such as English, Swiss-German, and Low German.
So whether you want to learn regular Dutch or Pennsylvanian Dutch, look for a private tutor in Los Angeles, Houston, or wherever you are in America.
Although learning in a classroom might be less personalized depending on the size of the class and the teacher's commitment, having other students to converse with is an invaluable resource for any language learner.
Many individuals enroll in Dutch programs, although comprehensive students make up the bulk of Dutch classroom learners.
If you want to learn and master the Dutch language, search for "Dutch learning classes near me" and find the best Dutch tutoring programs in town.
Perhaps, there is no better option than Superprof, which provides various courses delivered by the most experienced Dutch tutors who have helped thousands of students become fluent Dutch speakers.
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