You need to take your time learning a new language

Hanna has lived in the Netherlands for five years with her husband and sons, Gabriel (seven) and Lucas (five). They speak Dutch at home because her Georgian husband speaks the language almost as well as the children. Hanna says: 'We have two young children who go to school. I want to be able to communicate freely with teachers and parents. I also want to know what my children need to learn at school. I wanted a job, to socialize faster, and to integrate. I knew that I would increase my opportunities if I spoke the language.'

I can manage much better now and have a much more positive outlook on the future

'The children don't have homework yet, but my eldest son sometimes brings his books home, and then we analyze together what he's doing well and where he's making mistakes. I need to know words like addition and subtraction. It's still easy now, and I enjoy helping. But when they get more difficult homework later on, I won't be able to help them as well, and I find that frustrating. Although I still think in Russian, my children think in Dutch. To teach them both Dutch and Russian, I read two stories every night. It's a tradition in our family: one in Dutch and one in Russian.'

Great success

At TopTaal, Hanna took the Language for Advanced Learners course, among others. 'The lessons were very difficult for me. I had taught myself everything at home. When the children were small and playing at home, I taught myself everything from books. But learning a new language in a classroom is very different from learning from a book. You need to take your time learning a new language. When I was in a higher-level class, I had to work harder. Practice more. Write and read more.'

Hanna found the first parent-teacher meeting she had at school very difficult. 'I didn't understand everything by a long shot and couldn't say what I wanted to say. The last time was a real test for me. I only spoke Dutch. I did it! There were two different teachers with different speaking speeds and different intonations. They talked about learning, behavior, and feelings. I conducted the entire conversation in Dutch! It was a great success.'

Language Buddy

Currently, Hanna is improving her language skills with a Language Buddy. 'We chat together, and then she corrects me. For homework, I have to write stories, and then she tells me afterward what I'm doing wrong.' The lessons have really helped Hanna on her way, she says herself. 'It helped me a lot, especially with my motivation. I have a household, so I need an appointment outside the house. If I have a class, I go. But if I have to sit at home and study now, I don't manage as well. I need that routine.'

Hanna is very pleased with the way the lessons were taught. 'The lessons at TopTaal are very modern. Sometimes we were given songs from YouTube, other times we watched a film together. And we went out together with the group. That was perfect for me! My knowledge of the Dutch language has improved, my vocabulary has expanded. I understand more grammar, and I write better now than before. I can manage much better now and have a much more positive outlook on the future.'

After Hanna received her certificate in April, she applied for a job at a clothing store in July. Successfully. 'That's definitely because of the lessons. I can express my opinions well. I'm happy with the courses at TopTaal because I found the practical information very useful. Unfortunately, with my schedule at the store, I can't take a course right now. But as soon as it's possible again, I'll sign up for the Language & Personal Financial Administration course. I really want to continue improving my Dutch.'

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