From our blog
News, developments and articles from Regina Coeli
Five Dutch Expressions
If you already speak Dutch quite well, you are ready for the next challenge: understanding and correctly using Dutch expressions. Expressions are used and abused by the Dutch, so watch out: the Dutch make mistakes with them! If you know the origin of an expression, it is easier to use them correctly. Have a look below at five commonly-used Dutch expressions. Try your hand at using them in your communication!
Learning a language is a top-level sport
When we learn, our brain makes new connections, laying neural networks and reinforcing existing ones at breakneck speed. Language learning activates a tremendous number of these networks, because language is quite a complex process for the brain. Learning a language is actually a top-level sport for the brain.
How to learn a language succesfully?
Two of the most frequent questions we get at Regina Coeli are: Can you really learn a language proficiently from scratch in a week? And, how do I maintain and continue to improve my language skills?
Learn Dutch: why would you?
Many expats who live and work in the Netherlands think it’s not really necessary to learn Dutch. English is the lingua franca at many large companies and when it isn’t, Dutch colleagues will quickly switch to English to accommodate those who don’t speak their language. The Dutch really enjoy speaking English. You can even get by using only English in your free time. So why should you bother learning Dutch? We’d like to give you three solid reasons for doing so.
Speaking with the right accent in the Port of Rotterdam
Expats and immigrants don’t always feel the need to learn Dutch. That wasn’t the case for Ahmed Kansouh. He realised that he would have to speak Dutch—and speak it well—as soon as he came to the Netherlands in order to reach his goals.
French business culture
Success in business in France depends on appropriate behaviour and on mutual trust and understanding. In this article we present some of the aspects of French business culture.