A few days ago, I read an article about language and integration in Knack. The article addresses a not-so-funny phenomenon here in Flanders. Foreigners and people who do not look like a typical Belgian, are often expected to learn and master the Dutch language at a very high level.

As someone who has lived on three different continents, I am all for learning the native language(s). Being able to talk to your neighbours makes life easier and happier! However, it does irk me when random people start correcting your pronunciations and grammar while you are doing your best in conveying your thoughts or feelings. The irony is that the language police will just carry on shamelessly with his or her plat dialect a minute later. People seldom practice what they preach – pun intended.

My Dutch will never be perfect. Heck, nor will my English, Chinese and Malay! And I am okay with that. Let us focus on what I can, not what I cannot. 🙂