Theo van der Genugten, senior faculty member of the Computer Science department, has volunteered to organize Dutch classes for foreign students, employees, and their partners to fill the void left by the UT. In response to an article in the UT Nieuws English Edition by Jelena Radovanovic about the lack of reasonably priced Dutch courses for international students and their partners, he is looking for Dutch native speakers to help teach their language to eager learners.
Van der Genugten has experience working with the Stichting Welzijn Ouderen, an organization dedicated to ensuring the well-being of older people. Over the years, he has helped scores of foreigners perfect their Dutch. In particular he recalls a Sudanese man who after living in the Netherlands for three years still could not pronounce Dutch suitably. Sounds like 'u' and 'ui' eluded him. After just three months of consistent weekly practice with Van der Genugten, the Sudanese student improved drastically. Language students need such regular practice with native speakers to improve their skills. This is part of what Van der Genugten hopes to provide.
Ideally students would work in small groups of four to six that together talk, listen, read and write. Van der Genugten does not see grammar as a dominant component of the lessons, although naturally it will play a role. Taking a communicative approach, the goal is social self-sufficiency so that international members of the UT community can express themselves and feel less alienated in Dutch society. Plans are not yet definite, but Van der Genugten hopes to offer the classes on campus. Dutch lessons would begin as soon as a sufficient number of students expresses interest.
But aren't such language courses the duty of the UT as hosts to international students and faculty members? Van der Genugten admits that 'Yes, it is the UT's responsibility, but the UT doesn't do it.' He adds that as someone about to retire from the University in July 2003, 'I'm looking for new challenges. My motivation is purely personal, but it is good if it helps others.' By the way, Van der Genugten can empathize with Dutch language students because his first language was Twents. He didn't learn Dutch until he entered public school at age six.
If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity to learn Dutch free of charge or if you are a native speaker of Dutch and would like to volunteer your services, contact Theo van der Genugten at [email protected]
