Anyone speak Dutch??

[mawbroon]

I just don't know what to do about this one......

My DH is half Dutch/British and is native in both languages. His mother is the same and lives close to us. I have learned some Dutch, but am by no means fluent.

We are expecting our first baby in October and I really don't know what to do about languages.

On the one hand - we are highly unlikely to ever go and live in Holland. All DHs Dutch relations speak perfect English. Dutch is not the most useful of foreign languages (no offence).

On the other hand - DH is half Dutch and has lived there on and off for half his life. It is very much part of our baby's background and we don't just want it to come to an end with this generation.

My SIL has opted not to introduce any Dutch at all because she doesn't see the point, but she spent a lot less time in Holland than my DH did and feels little connection to Holland now. Saying that, my MIL does sing my neice some Dutch nursery rhymes etc.

So, I am just not sure whether it would just confuse the issue or not.

ANY ADVICE GRATEFULLY RECEIVED!!!

Thank you

Sorry Honeybynny, have confused Cambridge with Oxford
Have a look at www.dutchlanguageschool.co.uk
they do distance-courses.Also , try to find out if there are Dutch classes for children in your area.
Have a look at the website of the Dutch Embassy or phone them, they are usually very helpful.

for dustch families in Kent (maidstone), contact me: [email protected]

Bye

Hi, I'm Dutch and if anyone needs more information about the language just let me know.
I've been in the UK for almost a year, my husband and kids (10 and 6 years old)are Dutch as well.
I would like to meet Dutch families in the Kent area. Just to speak some Dutch. Hope to read from you soon...Dag dag

Hallo, I'm Dutch and live in Orpington, Kent. My husband is French and so is my 23-month old daughter. I lived abroad for almost 10 years now, mostly in the UK but 2 years in France. I work fulltime but would love to hear from other dutchies in Kent, reply here or send me a mail on [email protected]

My husband is dutch and I am trying to learn the language as well. 4 month old son has been introduced to hearing dutch by his Oma, Opa, Ome and Papa who all try to speak to him in Dutch as much as possible (although Papa is hopeless, he always forgets). I am trying to do my bit by learning Dutch songs and nursery rhymes. I sing 'Papajaatje Leef Je Nog' to him about 100 times each day . I think it's good to learn a second language.
Feel free to get in touch, I'd wouldn't mind chatting to anyone who won't laugh at my pathetic pronunciation.

KayVeeKayBee - where are you based? There seem to be loads of you, but all miles away from me. I live in West Lothian. LOL at 'Papajaatje Leef Je Nog' that's one of mine too but the version I know goes "Poef" at the end. I'm not sure if I want DS shouting that out when he's older

My DH has decided that he doesn't really want to speak Dutch to DS who is now nearly 6 months old. I think it is such a shame and an opportunity missed, although he might change his mind once DS actually starts to speak. I sometimes talk to ds in my pigeon Dutch, but I don't know if that will help or hinder things.

Mawbroon, we live in Dagenham, Essex. West Lothian is quite away.
The version I know also has 'POEF'at the end but hopefully the untrained ear will just hear gobbledegook the whole way through the song so they won't notice. I don't think teaching baby pidgeon dutch will be harmful, it's just another thing that will connect him to you and your heritage. I'm Jamaican and I also want ds to learn a bit of patwa.
Email me: [email protected]

Hi Mimi2403, Thanks for responding, I live nearby Sittingbourne. I love to speak some Dutch, you can email me [email protected] to hear from you soon.
HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!