When I first moved to the Netherlands from the Philippines 17 years ago, I quickly learned that language is much more than a tool for communication—it’s a gateway to a new way of life. Ludwig Wittgenstein once said, “The limits of my language means the limits of my world.” This quote became my guide as I navigated through the complex yet fascinating process of cultural immersion in a country so different from my own.
The challenge of a new language
The initial thrill of moving to a new country often comes with the daunting challenge of learning a new language. Dutch, with its guttural sounds and sharp consonants, was a stark contrast to the melodious flow of Filipino. Like many expatriates, I faced not just the task of learning a new language but also the challenge of reshaping my identity within a new cultural context.
Each mispronounced word and misunderstood sentence initially felt like a barrier and failure on my part especially because I love words and as a former journalist, language was my main tool for self-expression.
Strategies for success
The journey from linguistic novice to proficient speaker is paved with persistence and resilience. I immersed myself in the language, attending classes, watching local television, and practicing with my patient inner circle who were more than willing to engage in slow, sometimes halting conversations. Over time, these practices paid off, not just in fluency but in friendships and deeper cultural understanding. Within two years of my stay in the Netherlands, I passed the Dutch as 2nd Language (NT2-II) exams.
One effective strategy was to integrate language learning into everyday life. Simple acts like grocery shopping on my own or learning how to cook using a Dutch cookbook became opportunities for practice. Each interaction was a step towards language proficiency and cultural integration.
Language as a cultural lens
As I grew more comfortable with Dutch, I began to see the language as a lens through which to view and understand the broader cultural landscape. Language reflects culture—its humor, its values, its norms. In the Netherlands, the directness of the language was an echo of the culture’s value on clarity and efficiency. More than understanding the culture better, I also re-discovered myself in the process.
This understanding deepened my interactions, allowing me to navigate social settings with more confidence. Flora Lewis once said, “Learning another language is not only learning different words for the same things but learning another way to think about things.” Learning Dutch opened up new ways of thinking and relating to people around me, enriching my experience far beyond the workplace or casual social interactions.
In the TED Talk below, Lera Boroditsky expounds on the Lewis quote as she talks about how language shapes the way we think.
Maintaining multilingual balance
As Frank Smith beautifully captures this in his words, “One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.”
While learning Dutch was essential for integration, maintaining my native language, Filipino, was equally important. While Dutch has become the language I dream in, Filipino is still the language of my heritage. It keeps me connected to my roots and is the language I still use as I interact with my Filipino family and friends. The challenge and beauty of living in a multilingual life are balancing these languages. In doing so, I help create a unique cultural space where both Dutch and Filipino traditions coexist and complement each other.
Cultural integration through language mastery
Today, speaking both Dutch and Filipino fluently (next to English!), I find myself acting as a bridge between cultures, able to share the richness of my Philippine heritage with Dutch friends and peers while also embracing the robust traditions of the Netherlands. This dual fluency has facilitated not only personal and professional growth but has also provided a richer, more nuanced life experience.
Nelson Mandela once eloquently stated, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” Speaking Dutch has allowed me to reach the hearts of those in my adopted homeland while using Filipino keeps me rooted.
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In other words
the journey of learning a new language is intrinsically tied to the process of cultural adaptation. It is not merely about acquiring the ability to converse but about understanding and participating in a new way of life. For expatriates, mastering the local language is the key to unlocking the full potential of their new home, offering not just a means of survival but a path to thrive.
What now
So what now? What can you do differently? If you are currently integrating into a culture with a different language than yours, you might want to try the following strategies:
- Set a standard schedule when you are using only the language that you are learning. When I was learning Dutch, my husband and I would only speak Dutch and no other language at dinner.
- Engage with media in the language you’re learning—films, music, and books can provide context and deepen understanding. Preferably, engage in a genre/program you like. For example, I really liked the sitcom “Will and Grace” and watched it with Dutch subtitles when I was learning the language.
- To assist you in learning new vocabulary, jot down these words on sticky notes and attach them to the corresponding items—for instance, place ‘koelkast’ on the refrigerator. Remove the sticky note only after you’ve fully learned the word.
Learning a new language is like creating tapestry rich with new insights, relationships, and understandings. Enjoy the journey and be ready to re-discover yourself! #
