April 6, 2008 1:44:13 AM CEST
Yes I am thrilled with this topic. I really want to practice Dutch. I need to listen a lot. And sharing with other expats or native-English-speakers sounds like a plan. (I don't think I qualify as an expat since I've returned. For the nonce.)
I can use any software. I like the idea of using Skype. I recently installed it and have only used it once. In fact, I'll be pleased to compare them as far as connection, etc.
Interesting to notice that using Skype or Yahoo, we can have a multi-person group conversation. I wonder if the audio from a session can be saved. Especially if there is a good speaker (of Dutch) it's useful to listen again to get it all.
I have tons of ideas that I haven't applied. Yet.
I am American, at the moment back in Los Angeles so my timezone will probably get me to connect with the "night owls" here (or there) -- in Nederland.
En zo, ja heb ik het Nederlands gestudeert maar mestal van boeken. Die voor twee jaar, erdaan hbe ik in Nederland gewoont. --- So I know places in Amsterdam, some in Eindhoven, and some hostels elsewhere. I took a tai chi 'summercamp' in Nijmegen. This summer it will be held down near Maastricht. So I can take part in conversations about the country.
In Holland it's like finding hens teeth (a rare item indeed) to have someone have the patience and interest to hold a conversation in Dutch if they have to repeat themselves. But listening skills must start somewhere. I used to look for middleaged ladies, they usually used to teach school. This just to have a small conversation in the train.
I've heard the best way to learn the language is to find a Dutchie but that's not in my life. Yet?
Please send me email. I don't sit on Skype often. <-- see that's Dutch infiltrating my English.
How do you say "really funny" in Dutch? I would if I could. (And babelfish makes histerical, but understandable translations.)
I can contribute here: These are the translation tools I have found. So far.
http://babelfish.altavista.com/
http://www.vertalen.nu/
http://www.google.com/language_tools
http://www.freedict.com/onldict/dut.html
http://www.sdl.com/en/services/localisatio...nline_Quote.aspI'll use my Dutch nickname.
Best,
Daaltje
I have "Hugo in 3 Months Dutch" I have another Dutch book but I cannot find it at this stage. I would love to be able to try and learn some new Dutch with someone. My skype name is stephf1986. If you're still interested, let me know! I'm only available in the evenings though because I dont get home until about 8pm. 
