Discover the power of the Dutch language
From the outside, it is an ordinary, slightly dull office building on the Axelsestraat. But anyone who comes in enters a colorful world. This world is vibrant and colorful – with many plants, bright wallpaper, and cozy seats - just as vibrant as the diverse students who come here. They come from all over the world, united by a single goal: to discover the power of the Dutch language. Just eight years ago, Taalkracht started as a one-(wo)man business.
Recently, the language school reached an important milestone: the thousandth training course rolled off the presses, with nearly five hundred course participants finding their way to Taalkracht. And now, founder and language trainer Diana Bogaert - Hemelaar has six colleagues beside her; enthusiastic language trainers who do their utmost every day for this colorful, international group. Their sole objective is to ensure that students can manage in Dutch society and in the workplace. In addition, one colleague comes to Taalkracht every week for employees who want to learn business and technical English.
In eight years, Taalkracht has become the place to be in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen for expats and non-Dutch speakers to learn Dutch. Of course, most Dutch people speak English, and English is the language of communication in many workplaces; however, it is desirable and sometimes even necessary to be able to read documents in Dutch, follow meetings in Dutch, and speak in Dutch. Most Taalkracht students want this too; some even desire it above all else. They want to know the ins and outs of our language and absorb knowledge about verb conjugations, sentence inversion, and grammar.
How great is it when colleagues don’t have to switch to English in their company but can continue speaking in Dutch? Naturally, learning the language is the primary focus, but in addition, the - often individual – training sessions also cover life in the Netherlands. (Quirky) habits, holidays, culture, music, fun outings, TV shows, as well as politics and news are discussed if desired. This way, students can join in conversations with colleagues about various topics during coffee breaks or lunch.
Fortunately, companies in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen recognize the importance of the Dutch language. After all, their employees live in Terneuzen or the surrounding area, making them an asset to the region’s livability. This is particularly valuable in a time of labor market shortages. One trainee from South Africa now knows her way around the area quite well. She has tried almost all the restaurants and knows exactly where to buy the ingredients for South African cuisine. "I do try to speak Dutch, but everyone here speaks English!" A student from Brazil with young children would love to invite his neighbors over, but he finds it a bit daunting. Just do it, is the advice at Taalkracht. Or how about meeting the future teacher of his three-year-old daughter's at the elementary school? "Luckily, I still have a year to go!"
At Taalkracht, we are also looking ahead. For example, to the project ‘Nieuwe Zeeuwen’.....but more on that later!
