Last week my Dutch teacher informed me that I am “in the worst possible situation to learn Dutch”. Quite the motivator, eh? Yep! Apparently, I have more than a few strikes against me, which he preceded to list. Firstly, I have no intention to stay in Holland long term (yes, this is indeed true). Secondly, my partner is not Dutch (right, again). Thirdly, I do not need to speak Dutch for work (thank, god or I'd be out of a job), nor do I even have Dutch colleagues to practise Dutch with (only, the one—who’s favourite pastime is shouting out across the busy cafeteria what colour my underwear are! I digress; I will save that anecdote for a blog entry on “the working woman’s guide to the Dutch workplace”). And lastly, I do not regularly socialize with “the Dutch”. As odd as this last point sounds, it is in fact very true. M and I have quite an extended circle of friends, however, on closer inspection---very very few of them are Dutch. As it turns out my closest friends are from anywhere but here--Australia, Canada, US, England Bulgaria, etc. This is not so surprising actually; if you speak to any expat you will most likely find that their closest friends are expats themselves. Who else can best relate to the highs and lows of living in a foreign country?
And so, although I apparently am not in the ideal situation to pick up the language, and the fact that everyone in Amsterdam insists on replying back to me in English, I have found myself really enjoying the classes. When I first moved here, I went out and bought all sorts of Dutch language books, and CDs and tapes. I excitedly read through them, and practised my bit phrases eagerly with anyone who'd listen. But then real life set in, the books were put aside and I eventually stopped even bothering to pick up a new word here and there. It’s funny how easy it is to tune out the world around you. On the bus in the morning, I didn’t even hear the chatter around me anymore, I didn’t try to pick out things I could understand, and instead it all melted into a soft hum. Eventually things got a little too quiet and I realized I had become “that person” who lives in a foreign country without even bothering to learn the language. Trust me, it’s a very easy thing to do. So, here I go, better late than never, right?
one more comment today... I speak dutch without any big problems.. but Ive entered into this post-dutch phase where I no longer give a shit to speak dutch with certain people. Example the police.. I realized its a disadvantage to talk to them in dutch cause I lose the right to play dumb and the tourist.
But even with certain friends.. I used to make an extra effort to function in dutch, which had its perks.. but in the end.. Im more myself in english and they totally prefer that. Conclusion... yeah learning the language is important but at some point.. there's more to life in Amsterdam.
hmm now I dont understand my own point.ah well.
