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Whenever something new is introduced, there are inevitably criticisms. DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusive culture) practices are no different. As this relatively new approach to people and culture management is adopted by more and more organisations, some criticisms and critiques have stood out. The following list offers answers to 7...

Dutch influence can be seen in many places: from a Dutch-themed amusement park in Japan, to the creation of donuts and gin as well as in vocabulary and place names. In this article we’ll explore 10 commonly used English words, which come from the Dutch language. Bluff – Often used...

Presenting ideas and information in English Anyone working in an international environment will have to deal with this at some point: presenting your point of view, ideas or information in English. It can be in an actual presentation, or as input during a meeting. Presenting may not be second nature...

When making any change in behaviour, it is important to think it through: why are you changing your behaviour and how are you going to do it? For our example, we’ll take a look at behavioural change behind learning a new language This takes a varied approach. Repetitive practice and...

The boy with his finger in the dike. Sasquatch. Rapunzel. Leprechauns. You might recognize some of these myths and legends. Their stories told have been passed down through the ages, though that doesn’t make them true. In this article we’ll tackle some of the most common myths about learning a...

Partnership with commitment to customer satisfaction, quality delivery and dedication. Today we announce the merger between Language Partners and BBi Communication. This marks the beginning of a new era for the two united companies. The merger will be the starting point of a great adventure within the fields of language...

Ever call someone sir or ma’am only to get asked, or told, not to? In America, people are sometimes offended when addressed formally as sir or ma’am as it implies they are of a certain age. Depending on where you’re from or what language(s) you speak, your connection to formal...

Is the working language at your work not your mother tongue? If so, you may sometimes run into a ‘fluency gap’, a situation where you find you are (just) not fluent enough in the language. This may mean that you cannot explain your ideas or express yourself well enough. A...

How to work with the Dutch? Working with the Dutch can be confusing. Are they being rude, or just direct? What about the Dutch ‘flat hierarchy’, which sometimes appears to be not so flat at all? And how does the Dutch decision-making process (The Polder Model) work, where everyone is...

Learning a language is a process that takes time and determination. Motivation and drive to do so can fluctuate. With that in mind, we’ve come up with some tips to help you get the most out of your efforts. Before your course: Start engaging with your target language. Music, movies,...