Whatever the initial reason for coming to the Netherlands; a prosperous economy, an advanced social system, love, to experience a new culture, getting past the language barrier is the final hurdle that many simply can’t scale.

Commuters, international assignees, political refugees or just global nomads repeat the same, sad story: every time they try to use their Dutch with 'the natives', they get a reply in English.

Language courses, expensive private lessons or self-study programmes often just don’t do the trick. For many, even the fully-financed curses offered by the municipality for expats end up in failure. One of the most frequently repeated complaints is that classes comprise too many students of differing levels of knowledge and ability – which can also translate into lack of commitment or interest from otherwise capable learners.

The problem may seem marginal, but it affects the life of a growing number of people who would otherwise be more happily settled in the Netherlands.

Amsterdammers help out
Not everyone knows that, besides the traditional private and public schools, the Dutch have come up with a scheme to help push you over that last bump in the road to proficiency in the Nederlandse taal.  

Not-for-profit organisation Gilde Amsterdam, overlooking a quiet courtyard in the city centre, brilliantly combines two initiatives: it helps retired Amsterdammers to remain active in society and offers foreigners the chance to improve their language skills. The Gilde coordinates different voluntary projects for different purposes. There are, for example, specialised professionals offering to share their knowledge and experience through giving advice or lectures on whatever subject. Senior, seasoned Amsterdammers make themselves available to take people on tours around town to tell their stories. Other volunteers are available for coaching individuals or groups.

Gilde Samenspraak
Gilde Samenspraak is the part of the association dedicated to the language. You can describe it as a cultural exchange where the volunteers broaden their horizons while the students learn Dutch – and expand their horizons too.
 
Instead of a grammar book, a scheduled lesson time and formal teacher, with the Gilde both partners enjoy absolute freedom. The meeting can take place in a café downtown, at home or any other chosen venue.

Meeting Annette Roco
Just before writing this article I was drinking tea and talking to 'Samenspraak' volunteer Annette Roco in her beautiful living room.  Annette, who joined Gilde Amsterdam over a year ago, is an example of one of the expert and cultivated Amsterdammers who have made themselves available to transmit their culture and knowledge to newcomers.

Born into a Dutch-Jewish family she has witnessed all the drastic changes which have taken place in Amsterdam since the Nazi occupation: from the economic boom after the war to the social revolution of  the 60's and 70's.

“All of my life I have been a passionate music lover.  I started my career as a singer in the sixties, and now I am an ‘artistic career coach’, helping people with interests or ambitions in the music world, to improve their voice intonation and general appearance. Besides this, I also  help foreigners to practice their Dutch,” she says.

As a volunteer for the Gilde Samenspraak, Annette confirms the project is a 'free' cultural exchange "where the participants can discover each others' culture and habits. The 'lesson' consists mostly of conversations, but can also involve the written word.  Volunteers and student can stop whenever they want or change their language partners."

Since her student days, Annette has been drawn to the world of music and the arts.  Things started getting serious for her after an audition with the famous Dutch pianist Cor Lemaire who was searching talented artists for diverse projects. Years of intense training followed, from cabaret shows to ‘Frans chanson’ (Lit. French song) performances.

“At that time cabaret was very popular, people used to go to theatre more often than now and there were even student cabaret organisations. Also radio hadn't been replaced by TV yet and those who got the opportunity to do a radio show could expect a large audience.”

It was an intense period, and Annette got in contact with renowned artists like the Dutch cabaret artist and singer Frans Halsema. She was invited to perform for radio, TV and theatre shows while articles and reviews about her started appearing on magazines. A possible career was opening for her when she met her future husband. 

“My man was a well-established impresario. I started travelling more and more often; even residing for long periods abroad. Then came my son. Time for concentrating on my art was running out.”

Annette’s destiny resembles that of many others who sacrificed their career for their family. Without too much regret, although sometimes she admits that she feels slightly melancholic when looking at old pictures of her performances.

Joining Gilde
“I read an article about Samenspraak in Het Parool. I called them to fix an appointment and to see if it was sensible to dedicate my time and energy to this project. I found it a nice opportunity to help people to feel at home in their new environment," says Annette.

"Having lived In the States and Australia for many years, I know how difficult it is settling into another country.” 

Links:
Gilde Amsterdam
www.gildeamsterdam.nl/index.htm

Interview:  Michele Carloni, a freelance illustrator living in Amsterdam.

If you have a point of view you'd like to share with other internationals then contact us via feedback@expatica.com  

 You can also contribute by putting photos or videos on Expaticas newly-created flickr group at http://www.flickr.com/people/expatica/.  All contributed material will be credited accordingly.

July 2008