Language buddies Pauline and Ömer: learning the language by chatting

It has been three years since Ömer fled from Turkey to the Netherlands. Although his parents already lived in Germany, Ömer chose to settle in The Hague. He ended up in Moerwijk and it really feels like his new home now. And he also speaks a fair bit of Dutch. Of course, that doesn't come naturally. Ömer really does his best. He volunteers at the library, takes Dutch language lessons and regularly meets up with his Taal-aan-Zee buddy Pauline.

Pauline is a language buddy at Taal aan Zee and she and Ömer have been language buddies for a year now. They meet up for a cup of coffee, a walk or a fun day out and talk about all sorts of things. 'We usually meet up in the library in the city centre and then we talk about the news, politics, Turkish culture, typical Dutch things, and so on. It's different from a regular language lesson; we see each other and chat casually. That way you learn the language in a completely different way', Pauline explains. 'When I moved to The Hague for work, I wanted to do volunteer work to get to know more people in the city and contribute to society. I was also looking for something concrete with which I could help others directly, such as learning the Dutch language, because my work as a legislative lawyer at the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations is quite abstract. I also have a lot of respect for people who have fled to the Netherlands from another country. I can imagine that that is a huge challenge. If I can contribute even a little bit to make things a little easier for someone, I think that's great.'

Interfaces

For Ömer, the conversations he has with Pauline are very valuable. Ömer: 'Of course I learn a lot during the Dutch language lessons, but as language buddies you talk about everyday things and that is different from grammar and sentence analysis. I learn a lot about the Netherlands, Dutch customs and the city of The Hague. Pauline works as a lawyer and I studied law in Turkey. So we have quite a few things in common. Our conversations are often about our field of expertise. In Turkey I was not safe because of my choice of study, which is why I fled to The Hague. The Hague has always fascinated me as an international city of peace and justice, so the fact that I can now live here feels really good. I would eventually like to work here as a lawyer or legal expert, but then I have to continue studying. To be able to work as a lawyer here, you simply need different papers than in Turkey. But before I can start studying, I first have to master the Dutch language well.'

Progress made

'When I compare how Ömer spoke the language last year and how he does it now, he has made so much progress', says Pauline. 'The Dutch language is also really different from Turkish; different sentence structures and word order. It is important that Ömer dares to speak Dutch. That is why he learns it quickly. When I speak French, I often doubt whether it sounds right, but it helps to just speak and not worry too much about mistakes. That way you will automatically do better and better. Yes, it is really nice to see that your Dutch is already much better than it was a year ago. Of course it is a difficult language, and everyone learns at their own pace. But in three years - or even two years - he has really made a lot of progress. That is very good!'

Much more than just learning the language

Ömer is proud of that too. 'My Dutch is already much better than when I started. I can now respond and communicate directly in Dutch, which helps me a lot in my daily life and in my volunteer work at the library in Moerwijk. Pauline really helped me to pick up the language much faster, and I am very grateful to her for that. It is also nice to have someone who helps you find your way in Dutch society.' Pauline agrees. 'The language buddy project is much more than just learning the language, you also get a real glimpse into each other's lives, culture and traditions. And we also do fun things. We eat together, talk about books, TV series, humor and interesting YouTube channels. We go to the cinema and to our favorite place in the city: the beach. It is fun and we learn from each other.'

Language at Sea

Language is the key to participation. That is why the Hague volunteer organisation Taal aan Zee has been offering an accessible and diverse educational programme for isolated non-Dutch speaking women, refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants and/or low-literates for 11 years now. The language buddy project was set up especially for asylum seekers and refugees, so that they can better manage for themselves and participate in The Hague. By meeting with a Taal-aan-Zee buddy once a week, they can practice the Dutch language. During a walk or a cup of coffee, they can talk about everyday things and speaking Dutch becomes easier and easier.

More information: www.taalaanzee.nl

'The language buddy project is much more than just learning the language, you also get a real glimpse into each other's lives, culture and traditions.'

Pauline

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