Master Graduate from dramaschool in London. Born and raised in the Netherlands and has a degree in teaching.

Learn more about Ann

• Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  I'm born and raised in the Netherlands. I only spoke Dutch for most of the years of my life.

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  Artists- actors, writers, singers, comedians- are the hero's of the Dutch language culture. An example is Herman van Veen "Als liefde zoveel jaar kan duren, dan moet het echt wel liefde zijn!".

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or behaviour in the language that you particularly like?

  'Rechtdoor zee'. I think Dutch people are quite straightforward, clear and honest.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  This is my home! This language is my emotion and how I connect with my family and close relatives.

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  G. The g sound is difficult for most people who are not used to speaking Dutch. It is a harsh sound! Listening and repeating can help a lot.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  Even for Dutch people, who have spoken Dutch their whole lives, it can be a difficult language. Some rules are complicated! So no pressure, everyone makes mistakes!

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  I have lived in the north of the Netherlands, the west. I've worked and travelled in the middle, east and south of the country. I've heard all the dialects!

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  I'm trying to make it personal. Link the language to your interests!