Is Dutch a Relatively Important Language in Europe?

 

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 Is Dutch a Relatively Important Language in Europe?

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There are various opinions when it comes down to the importance of the Dutch language in Europe and there is no definite opinion. Speaking from the side of economics, it plays an important role, while the Dutch themselves will think otherwise. Considering that there are 26 members of the European Parliament from the Netherlands, it shows that the country and its economy represent a significant player upon the European arena. Since the most important sectors of the country's economy relate to education, human health, transport, retail, and social work activity, language plays an important role. While it is most common to Germany (export is at 24%), the linguistic closeness seems to play a crucial factor. Leaving the cultural aspect aside, the Dutch language has long been the one used for communication among those who conduct marine trading. 

There is also a completely different opinion among the Dutch people who always do their best to learn English or at least one foreign language, so they can communicate. Some of them would claim that they can handle advanced English conversations in a way better way than an average English native. While it is impossible to tell whether it is true or not, many university courses in the Netherlands are taught in English and the foreign movies are subtitled in Dutch, so the original audio track can still be heard. 

Approaching the issue from the other side, we have Nederlands (spoken in the Netherlands) and Vlaams (Flemish kind of Dutch) in Belgium. It is safe to say that both variations are mostly spoken in the Netherlands or the Flemish part of Belgium. Even when foreigners or merchants come to Belgium, they will happily switch to English or German, which will be understood in both countries. In the Netherlands, however, they will appreciate any foreigner trying to learn Dutch.  

 

Coming back to the Netherlands, the nation behind the Dutch, it should be noted that even the local dialects between the North and South of the country do not differ much and can be understood just like variations of English in the United States. Yet, if you need an official document, you will require a professional Dutch native who can assist you. Regardless if you are an exchange student or plan a short business trip, there is more info at IsAccurate regarding certified linguists for any type of translation. Even though most Dutch will impress you with a perfect English, the official language of the country is still Dutch! 

Now the last argument that would defend the importance of Dutch in Europe is the number of books in the country. It is a common notion that Dutch people like to read, which is why even the small children will happily accept a book instead of a beeping device. Starting with the comic books that are so popular among Dutch children, people progress with the Dutch fiction and the history books that are written in their native language. 

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