Language variation and fluency in Dutch

Language

Dutch

Prerequisites

Students have reached a B2 proficiency level in productive and receptive skills in Dutch 

Main themes

The course addresses the question of synchronic and diachronic variation in Dutch to develop productive and receptive skills in Dutch. The main topics are: 

• Cognitive principles underlying the learning of Dutch as a foreign language, particularly: reading and writing strategies (in higher education), with a specific focus on argumentative skills. 
• Geographical variation, diaphasic variation, and linguistic attitudes. 
• Societal debates concerning the Dutch language. 

Throughout these three main themes, argumentative skills (both oral and written) will be trained all along the year. Special attention will be given to mastering (digital) tools and techniques for improving the linguistic code. 

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	Express themselves orally and in writing at an advanced level (CEFR Level B2+, -C1).
2	Master techniques and discursive codes for composing argumentative and descriptive texts on one of the themes covered in the course. They will be able to use language grammatically and lexically correct.
3	Develop a strong argumentation, both orally and in writing, regarding societal debates about the Dutch language.
4	Explain the specific theoretical concepts related to the variation of Dutch language, especially regional variation (Netherlands/Flanders), diaphasic variation (standaardtaal, tussentaal, dialect), and diachronic variation.
This learning unit contributes to the development and command of the following skills and learning outcomes of the ELAL programmes: 1.6, 2.6, 3.5, 3.6, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6

Faculty or entity

> ELAL