language
Babel in the Low Countries
Translating Quaco
![Nederlands Indië oude kaart Nederlands Indië oude kaart](https://the-low-countries.com/uploads/_article415x300/Nederlands-Indië-oude-kaart.jpg)
Why Indonesia Never Really Became Dutch, but Is Now Becoming Anglicised
There is something about the development of the Indonesian language that irritates journalist Joss Wibisono - it is being mixed with English.
![Closeupmagpie Closeupmagpie](https://the-low-countries.com/uploads/_article415x300/closeupmagpie.jpg)
Bird Entertainment for a Linguist
Intrigued by the superstitions and etymology surrounding the magpie, linguist Marten van der Meulen explores the rich and varied history of bird names across different cultures.
![Klasbord c PRS Klasbord c PRS](https://the-low-countries.com/uploads/_article415x300/Klasbord-c-PRS.jpg)
Show Empathy for Those Struggling with Dutch Grammar Rules
Dutch language rules contain great arbitrariness. Showing a little compassion for those who can’t immediately recall these rules is therefore warranted, argues linguist Marten van der Meulen.
Dutch in the World
![Schrijven met chatbot middeleeuws Schrijven met chatbot middeleeuws](https://the-low-countries.com/uploads/_article415x300/Schrijven-met-chatbot-middeleeuws.webp)
That’s Why I Happily Write With My Chatbot
Dutch linguist Marc van Oostendorp is still astonished by what ChatGPT. Nonetheless, he has seamlessly integrated this artificial intelligence into his work.
![Seksualiteit liggend c Stijn Felix Seksualiteit liggend c Stijn Felix](https://the-low-countries.com/uploads/_article415x300/seksualiteit-liggend-c-Stijn-Felix_2024-04-02-142847_aagw.jpg)
The Bold and the Bawdy: How Sexual Slang Became Mainstream in Dutch
Sexually charged words are so ubiquitous in the Dutch language that we no longer bat an eye. Yet, talking about sex still carries a lingering sense of taboo – one that might be staging a comeback.
Babel in the Low Countries
![Parfum article c Ron Lach Pexels Parfum article c Ron Lach Pexels](https://the-low-countries.com/uploads/_article415x300/Parfum-article-c-Ron-Lach-Pexels.jpg)
The Smell of Masculine Fullness and Rotten Eggs
How do you describe a fragrance when you lack the words for it? Linguist Marten van der Meulen sees possibilities in dialects and non-European languages.
![Image File 4907 E66 E 5 FD5 4 A70 89 DF BE36 C39 AA33 D1 Image File 4907 E66 E 5 FD5 4 A70 89 DF BE36 C39 AA33 D1](https://the-low-countries.com/uploads/_article415x300/ImageFile_4907E66E-5FD5-4A70-89DF-BE36C39AA33D1.jpg)
Colonial Echoes. When Americans Spoke Dutch
Historian Philip Dröge cycled along American roads in search of what remains of the Dutch-speaking past of the United States.
Translating Quaco
![Banner 2910616 1280 Banner 2910616 1280](https://the-low-countries.com/uploads/_article415x300/banner-2910616_1280.jpg)
Dutch Term For 'Greedflation' Has Been Voted Word Of The Year 2023
The word has been voted in Flanders and the Netherlands well ahead of 'joy beer', 'nepo baby' and 'pyjama tourist'.
![Pexels kat smith 735969 Pexels kat smith 735969](https://the-low-countries.com/uploads/_article415x300/pexels-kat-smith-735969.jpg)
Our Top Language Stories of the Year
Join us in bidding goodbye to 2023 with some of the most surprising stories we have published on the Dutch language this year.
![Nederlands Indië oude kaart Nederlands Indië oude kaart](https://the-low-countries.com/uploads/_article415x300/Nederlands-Indië-oude-kaart.jpg)
Why Indonesia Never Really Became Dutch, but Is Now Becoming Anglicised
There is something about the development of the Indonesian language that irritates journalist Joss Wibisono - it is being mixed with English.
![Pexels ron lach 8455383 Pexels ron lach 8455383](https://the-low-countries.com/uploads/_article415x300/pexels-ron-lach-8455383.jpg)
How "Local" Is Local Food?
There is quite a bit of confusion surrounding the concept of ‘local,’ particularly in relation to food.
![Pexels magda ehlers 1337385 Pexels magda ehlers 1337385](https://the-low-countries.com/uploads/_article415x300/pexels-magda-ehlers-1337385.jpg)
The Dutch Language in 2050? More Diverse Than Ever
Will the Dutch language still exist in the future? 'In 2050, Dutch is flourishing like never before. However, it would be more appropriate to refer to it as Dutches in the plural form.'
![Andorra2 Andorra2](https://the-low-countries.com/uploads/_article415x300/andorra2.jpeg)
Even in Microstate Andorra, There Is Room for Language Variation
Variation exists in everything, and language is no exception. No matter how small an area is, there is always room for language variation, writes linguist Marten van der Meulen.
![Pexels kat smith 735969 Pexels kat smith 735969](https://the-low-countries.com/uploads/_article415x300/pexels-kat-smith-735969.jpg)
There Is More to the Cow’s Voice Than Just Moo
Dairy cows are social beings that communicate with each other and with humans. However, sociolinguistics has paid little attention to this kind of interaction. Leonie Cornips aims to shed light on this through her language research on cows.
![Pexels jonathan borba 3263714 Pexels jonathan borba 3263714](https://the-low-countries.com/uploads/_article415x300/pexels-jonathan-borba-3263714.jpg)
'Yes, I Do' and Other Words That Change the World
Linguist Marten van der Meulen had the honour to perform one of the rarest and most extraordinary speech acts: the wedding ceremony.
![Taalworkshops c Bart Grietens Taalworkshops c Bart Grietens](https://the-low-countries.com/uploads/_article415x300/Taalworkshops-c-Bart-Grietens.jpg)
A Matter of Awareness: Language Variation in International Dutch Studies
Dutch is a pluricentric language. That raises the question of which variety of Dutch foreign students might be offered.
![Language alt e1582239869475 Language alt e1582239869475](https://the-low-countries.com/uploads/_article415x300/language_alt-e1582239869475.jpeg)
Why the Final Word on Gender and Language Is Not Yet Said
Gender-inclusive language is not a new phenomenon, but an additional layer has recently been added. Where do we stand today in 2023?
![DLL 1 2023 illustratie Stijn Felix DLL 1 2023 illustratie Stijn Felix](https://the-low-countries.com/uploads/_article415x300/DLL_1_2023_illustratie_StijnFelix.jpeg)
Why We Will Never Agree About Dutch
Linguist and Professor of Dutch Marc van Oostendorp debunks the consensus that Dutch would be a pluricentric language.
![Marten van der Meulen dinges Marten van der Meulen dinges](https://the-low-countries.com/uploads/_article415x300/Marten-van-der-Meulen-dinges.png)
Thingy
There is something you should know about the word thingy. It refers to something, but what it represents is at the same time unknown. So how come this yet seems to work, linguist Marten van der Meulen wonders.
![Um bod 2018 c harry heuts 12 Um bod 2018 c harry heuts 12](https://the-low-countries.com/uploads/_article415x300/um_bod_2018_c_harry_heuts_12.jpeg)
Courses in English at Our Universities? Yes, but in Moderation
Should we consider the increasing anglicization of higher education in the Netherlands and Flanders a good or bad evolution?
![1 Winnares Suzanne Voets van Het Groot Dictee van de Nederlandse Taal 2021 Marcel Krijgsman 002 1 Winnares Suzanne Voets van Het Groot Dictee van de Nederlandse Taal 2021 Marcel Krijgsman 002](https://the-low-countries.com/uploads/_article415x300/1-Winnares-Suzanne-Voets-van-Het-Groot-Dictee-van-de-Nederlandse-Taal-2021-Marcel-Krijgsman-002.jpg)
An Audible Accent When Speaking Dutch? It Doesn’t Matter
Native speakers of Dutch should adopt a more tolerant and empathetic attitude towards non-native speakers, argues Christopher Joby, a Dutch Studies scholar from Norwich.
![E Ketelaar Persian and Hindustani grammar E Ketelaar Persian and Hindustani grammar](https://the-low-countries.com/uploads/_article415x300/e-Ketelaar-Persian-and-Hindustani-grammar_221128_162107.jpg)
The Top 7 Language Stories of the Year
Join us in bidding goodbye to 2022 with seven of the finest language stories we published this year that are worth re-reading or listening to again.