Is the Dutch language endangered by English words?
The growing importance and popularity of IT, television and advertising has led to many new words. And the world dominance of the English-speaking culture has brought many English words into the Dutch language, especially in youth culture and business. It is often difficult to find a Dutch alternative for words such as helicopter, computer, e-mail, impact, hot pants and management. But most Dutch people seem to be perfectly happy using English. They feel the English language is, unlike Dutch, a powerful and attractive way to express themselves. “English words are refreshing,” says Dirk-Jan Dublin. “Those Dutch swear words that refer to all kinds of scary diseases are pretty limited.” What the purists say A minority of language purists is trying to introduce Dutch alternatives to English imports. The Actiegroep Taalverdediging pressure group uses the slogans “It’s more sensible in Dutch” and “Dutch is our language”. By suggesting Dutch is superior to foreign languages, and by making up
The growing importance and popularity of IT, television and advertising has led to many new words. And the world dominance of the English-speaking culture has brought many English words into the Dutch language, especially in youth culture and business. It is often difficult to find a Dutch alternative for words such as helicopter, computer, e-mail, impact, hot pants and management. But most Dutch people seem to be perfectly happy using English. They feel the English language is, unlike Dutch, a powerful and attractive way to express themselves. “English words are refreshing,” says Dirk-Jan Dublin. “Those Dutch swear words that refer to all kinds of scary diseases are pretty limited.” What the purists say A minority of language purists is trying to introduce Dutch alternatives to English imports. The Actiegroep Taalverdediging pressure group uses the slogans “It’s more sensible in Dutch” and “Dutch is our language”. By suggesting Dutch is superior to foreign languages, and by making up
