Category: English

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...

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...

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...

“During 32 years I was employed by Heineken, for many years responsible for the Asia Pacific. During most of those years I either travelled fifty percent of my time or lived and worked in the outside country.” What you’ve just read is the ‘Before Word’ from the book I Always...

In our first article covering FAQs , we will share some of the most commonly searched for questions by students who want to learn a language. Some are specific to a particular language while others relate to general language learning. Our experience has also shown us that the following questions...

An abbreviation is a shortened word or phrase, for example, est. is a common abbreviation in English and is used to shorten the word established. Acronyms and Initialisms are different types of abbreviations.  An acronym is made up of the first letter from each word in a phrase, such as...

A frequently asked and logical question is: “How can I expand my vocabulary?” Language is a means of communication and in order to express thoughts you need words, preferably as many as possible. Even if someone knows perfectly well how the subjunctive works in French, without words to make a...

Expand your English vocabulary Do you sometimes struggle to find the right words when you’re having a conversation in English? Join our next free webinar on tips and strategies to learn and expand your English vocabulary! Your vocabulary is important because it’s the basis of all languages. It’s the building...

Anyone who writes a (business) letter or email has to make many choices. Not only about the content and structure, but also about the layout and tone of the text. This certainly includes the opening and closing of the letter or email. An incorrect or inappropriate salutation can be poorly...