The ear is the gateway to learning a new language

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Developed twenty years ago by F. Montens and A.G. Sciarone, as a means of teaching Dutch to TU Delft’s foreign students, the Delfs Method is now a highly regarded language methodology here and abroad. For foreign students, the Delfs Method is an ‘added value’ of studying at TU Delft. Jan Erik Grezel, a Delfs Method instructor, explains why

Our starting point is communication: listening to and speaking Dutch. The method’s developers were mad about words. Believing that words and phrases are the keys to speaking a foreign language, they devised texts based on the 1,200 most frequently used Dutch words. When students master these texts, they have a firm grasp of the language. Listening to spoken Dutch is very important, because the ear is the gateway to learning a new language.

How is this put into practice in the classroom?

Firstly, we speak only Dutch and start conversing immediately. Sound patterns are paramount to gaining a working knowledge of the language. Further, we focus on discussions between students and teachers, as well as using computer and audio programs. Ultimately, students are able to give oral presentations in Dutch.

Does grammar play a central role in the Delfs Method, as it does in most other language courses?

Grammar is not our starting point. Language learning must be as enjoyable as possible. By initially focusing on communication, our students can speak simple Dutch after a few days. This communicative success helps to motivate them. As a linguist, I’m fascinated by grammatical complexities, but my job is to teach students to speak Dutch.

From a student’s perspective, what are the keys to learning a foreign language? Energy, concentration and commitment. Learning a language is hard work%you must be committed. Ours is a full-time course, intensive and demanding, requiring students to study five days a week, eight hours a day. Students must come to class prepared. If they haven’t done their homework, they’re sent away, because otherwise they’re wasting everyone’s time.

In terms of learning a foreign language, are all people and nationalities created equal? Germans and Scandinavians are quick learners, because their native languages are very similar to Dutch. Asian students, for example, have greater difficulty; they’re good at memorizing words, but practical application and comprehending Dutch sound patterns are more problematic. In general, though, everybody has an equal propensity for learning foreign languages.

A recent newspaper article claimed that the Delfs Method is for educated intellectual types. Is the Delfs Method elitist?

No, our method is suitable for all levels, provided the students are committed to learning%that’s our only precondition. Sadly, many ‘new’ language-teaching methods are simply selling video gimmickry as a quick computerized fix, replacing essential texts with flashy video images and pictures. Don’t believe the marketing hype. When it comes to learning languages, there’s no escaping the required hard work, concentration and proven texts. If students have the will to learn, then the Delfts Method is an excellent way to learn.

Foreign BSc students take summer courses to learn Dutch. But if a MSc or PhD course is given in English, why should students bother learning Dutch?

Because they want to! If foreign students learn Dutch, they’ll have richer experiences in the Netherlands. English is widely spoken here, but without knowing Dutch, foreign students are somewhat dislocated from society. Our students never regret learning Dutch. In fact, a group of MSc students took an introductory Dutch course, enjoyed it, and asked the MSc office to support additional Dutch classes. They’re now learning Dutch two evenings per week, in their own time. The Delfs Method offers TU Delft’s foreign visitors a chance to learn a new language quickly and comprehensively. An opportunity like that shouldn’t be missed. Zo simpel is het.

Given the Delfs Method’s success, how do you view the program’s future development?

We have the capacity to broaden our activities and teach more students, but it seems the university managers do not view language teaching as a serious business. Yet, TU Delft wants to be a leading university. Perhaps they’llbe interested to know that the most famous linguists in the world are at MIT, in Boston, which is also one of the best technical universities.

Learning a foreign language is a challenging task. But until science comes up with a magic pill that provides instant fluency, the next best thing is the Delfs Method, a fast, intensive and highly successful way to learn Dutch or other foreign languages.

Developed twenty years ago by F. Montens and A.G. Sciarone, as a means of teaching Dutch to TU Delft’s foreign students, the Delfs Method is now a highly regarded language methodology here and abroad. For foreign students, the Delfs Method is an ‘added value’ of studying at TU Delft. Jan Erik Grezel, a Delfs Method instructor, explains why

Our starting point is communication: listening to and speaking Dutch. The method’s developers were mad about words. Believing that words and phrases are the keys to speaking a foreign language, they devised texts based on the 1,200 most frequently used Dutch words. When students master these texts, they have a firm grasp of the language. Listening to spoken Dutch is very important, because the ear is the gateway to learning a new language.

How is this put into practice in the classroom?

Firstly, we speak only Dutch and start conversing immediately. Sound patterns are paramount to gaining a working knowledge of the language. Further, we focus on discussions between students and teachers, as well as using computer and audio programs. Ultimately, students are able to give oral presentations in Dutch.

Does grammar play a central role in the Delfs Method, as it does in most other language courses?

Grammar is not our starting point. Language learning must be as enjoyable as possible. By initially focusing on communication, our students can speak simple Dutch after a few days. This communicative success helps to motivate them. As a linguist, I’m fascinated by grammatical complexities, but my job is to teach students to speak Dutch.

From a student’s perspective, what are the keys to learning a foreign language? Energy, concentration and commitment. Learning a language is hard work%you must be committed. Ours is a full-time course, intensive and demanding, requiring students to study five days a week, eight hours a day. Students must come to class prepared. If they haven’t done their homework, they’re sent away, because otherwise they’re wasting everyone’s time.

In terms of learning a foreign language, are all people and nationalities created equal? Germans and Scandinavians are quick learners, because their native languages are very similar to Dutch. Asian students, for example, have greater difficulty; they’re good at memorizing words, but practical application and comprehending Dutch sound patterns are more problematic. In general, though, everybody has an equal propensity for learning foreign languages.

A recent newspaper article claimed that the Delfs Method is for educated intellectual types. Is the Delfs Method elitist?

No, our method is suitable for all levels, provided the students are committed to learning%that’s our only precondition. Sadly, many ‘new’ language-teaching methods are simply selling video gimmickry as a quick computerized fix, replacing essential texts with flashy video images and pictures. Don’t believe the marketing hype. When it comes to learning languages, there’s no escaping the required hard work, concentration and proven texts. If students have the will to learn, then the Delfts Method is an excellent way to learn.

Foreign BSc students take summer courses to learn Dutch. But if a MSc or PhD course is given in English, why should students bother learning Dutch?

Because they want to! If foreign students learn Dutch, they’ll have richer experiences in the Netherlands. English is widely spoken here, but without knowing Dutch, foreign students are somewhat dislocated from society. Our students never regret learning Dutch. In fact, a group of MSc students took an introductory Dutch course, enjoyed it, and asked the MSc office to support additional Dutch classes. They’re now learning Dutch two evenings per week, in their own time. The Delfs Method offers TU Delft’s foreign visitors a chance to learn a new language quickly and comprehensively. An opportunity like that shouldn’t be missed. Zo simpel is het.

Given the Delfs Method’s success, how do you view the program’s future development?

We have the capacity to broaden our activities and teach more students, but it seems the university managers do not view language teaching as a serious business. Yet, TU Delft wants to be a leading university. Perhaps they’llbe interested to know that the most famous linguists in the world are at MIT, in Boston, which is also one of the best technical universities.