Category: English

Most teams in Dutch organisations speak decent English. Good enough for an email, a call with a foreign colleague, a presentation that just about lands. But between “decent” and “truly fluent” sits a grey zone that nobody measures, and that still costs time and money every week. This article is...

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes | Nicci Severens Sometimes you do not have six months. A new international role is around the corner, a foreign client is at the table, or a team suddenly has to meet in English next month. That is when you are not looking for a...

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes British and American English differ in six areas: spelling, vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, prepositions and idioms. Usually the difference is harmless, but in business communication it can cause confusion, and inconsistent use looks sloppy. This article lists the main differences, with tips on which variant to...

Impact of English on Dutch Language through Loanwords In our rapidly changing world of globalisation and technology, the impact of English influences on the Dutch language is undeniable. Whether we are talking about technology, business, or everyday pursuits, English words are deeply embedded in our daily language usage. In this...

For those working in an international environment, it’s inevitable: conducting meetings in English, or perhaps even chairing a meeting in English. How do you approach it? What standard phrases can you use, and what etiquette rules should you adhere to in an international meeting? For everyone who occasionally needs to...

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...

Update: If you’re coming to this page after the webinar, you can view it on Youtube via this link. If you’d like to learn about our English courses, including Business English and Legal English, click here! Presenting ideas and information in English Anyone working in an international environment will have...

There are a lot of misconceptions about language learning. They stop professionals from getting started, give organisations unrealistic expectations, and often lead to training that does not deliver results. In this article we tackle the most common myths about learning a language — and explain what actually works. Myth 1:...

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...

Update: Are you coming to this page after the webinar? You can watch it via Youtube here. Before you go, we offer “Working with ____” training courses based on a wide range of cultures. Take a look to see if any might be right for you! How to work with...