Yvonne studied speech-language pathology and had her own practice as a speech therapist. Later studied language and cultural studies at the University of Tilburg. Did her graduate research on the influence of native language pronunciation on foreign language pronunciation, so naturally a job at Regina Coeli was an interesting one for her. Began as a freelancer and quickly had an indefinite contract.
‘I pay a great deal of attention to articulation and intonation in my lessons. People who learn a language want to be understandable and preferably speak without an accent. We can make a big difference in this area. I also point out when I notice that a student is using his or her voice, breath or posture in way that’s hindering him or her. Speaking a language is certainly not only a linguistic matter. Someone who says all his or her sentences as if they are questions comes across as very insecure. I ensure that my lessons are safe and inviting. That way, people have the all the space they need to learn.’
Speaks
Dutch, English, French, German, Italian
Read more about Dutch language training at Regina Coeli >