Coming here, I was told over and over again, whether in print and media online or through word of mouth, that everyone speaks English in the Netherlands. Impeccable and flawless English actually! As a result, you can get anywhere, with little to no knowledge of Dutch! No need to pick up the language at all! Now isn’t that something?
I think however, that that’s a horrible attitude to have. I’ll be the first to admit that people here do speak amazing English. Sometimes you’d never even think them to be non-native speakers. And in many ways, I think that this puts the American approach to foreign languages to complete shame. Sure, we ‘learned’ a foreign language in middle/high school. But, how many of us are actually able to converse (at the most minimal level) in it still, let alone at a more advanced level? And we’re not even talking at the level of fluency or adding in additional languages.
Over here, knowing multiple foreign languages is the norm. It’s not just a Dutch thing, but a European thing as well. Along with English, most people either know one other language quite well in addition and are often conversational in a few others. While this would be considered exceedingly exceptional back home, this is simply normal here. The American educational system could take note.
Either way, it’s starting to slowly frustrate me when I always hear that one doesn’t have to or should not learn the language in a country where you are living/studying/residing even if English is your native language. English may be a seemingly global language, but relying on it wherever you go is a crutch, plain and simple. Will most people understand you? Sadly, yes. But is knowing the local language, even at a most basic level also worthwhile? I think so. I’m continually shocked when people comment on the fact that I’m trying to pick up some Dutch. Heck, I’m also taking an introductory Dutch class! Now, why on Earth would you do that?
Languages open doors, plain and simple. They are an innate part of the culture of a nation and of its people. By learning it, you are demonstrating a willingness to learn more about a distinct group of people. People also appreciate it. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy (and in my case it certainly isn’t), but just trying is a positive step already. Simply look at the facial expressions of someone when you respond back with a ‘thank you’ in Dutch even though you may have ordered your meal obviously all in English. It affects the way people look at you. If you’re living in a foreign country for an extended period of time (say for arguments sake, a few months at minimum) and haven’t picked up anything, then you’re also living in a bubble. A very, very confined bubble at that. I’ve run across people that have lived in foreign countries for extended time periods, and don’t even know how to say ‘please’ or ‘thank you’, in the host language. Instead, every time they go out, they are almost immediately marked as foreigners when they have to use their English instead. If anything, take the opportunity you have, and make it into a learning opportunity! Otherwise, you’re just squandering endless chances. Not to mention, it’s nice to sometimes blend in with the crowd.
I have no doubt that many of the foreign students here will probably not learn much Dutch. And I find it a shame. While I recognize that not everyone has the time to take a formal class, not taking a few minutes a day to perhaps learn some words or phrases is an equal shame. Dutch may not be the most important language in the world, but it’s the official language of the country I’m currently studying in. And that’s enough of a reason for me. Because you know what? I won’t be here six months from now. When I go home, I’ll have endless opportunities to speak English. And that alone is convincing enough for me right now to soak in some Dutch.
So, what does this all mean? While at the end of this semester, I won’t be fluent by any means in Dutch, I’ll certainly know how to say some basic sentences with mijn beetje beetje nederlands. I’ll also be able to say simple things like ‘Please’ (alsjeblieft/alstublieft), ‘Thank you’ (dankjewel/dankuwel/bedankt), ‘Happy birthday’ (gefeliciteerd) and other such things with relative ease in public situations. Of that I’m certain. It would be a grote schande otherwise.
Where Is Christina Now? Ramblings on Life (Mostly) Abroad 