Dutch (Hugo in Three Months)

re-up


This new edition of Hugo Dutch in Three Months has been written for us by Jane Fenoulhet, who has considerable experience in teaching her subject from university level downwards. The book is designed for students learning at home. who want to acquire a good working knowledge of the language in a short time. The grammar is presented concisely and clearly, and the student is given plenty of opportunity to apraise what has been learnt. In order to gain the most from Hugo Dutch in Three Months, you should spend about eight hours a week studying. Every three weeks in the course there is time allowed for revision as well as revision exercises.
Start with sections 1-3 on pronunciation. It is extremely important that you master the sounds of Dutch before moving on to the grammar. Each sound is described in enough detail for you to work our its pronunciation, but if possible this should be done in conjunction with the CD recordings that we offer as optional extras to the book. The best way to master the sounds. stress and intonation of a foreign language is by imitating a native speaker. Failing this, you might be able to listen to Dutch on the radio or via the internet; it wil1 at least give you some idea of the sounds and rhythm of spoken Dutch. You should move on to the following sessions only when you are able to recognize readily which letters spell which sounds. The exercises and drills will serve as a test. The rest of the book is organized in a pattern, enabling you to develop a study routine. The work is divided into five areas: Grammar Read through each numbered section of new grammar at least twice. Use the references to other sections as opponunities for revision. Try to understand rather than memorize; U you have understood. the exercises and drills will ensure that you remember the rules through applying them. Vocabulary Lists of words contain all the vocabulary needed for the week's work.

Exercises These are mainly straightforward translation exercises carefully formulated to incorporate both the grammar and the most important rules learnt so far, and both old and new vocabulary. The student is expected to have learnt the vocabulary as he or she progresses. The language used is everyday, standard Dutch. It is most important that you check your answers carefully with the key. If you don't understand a mistake, go back to lhe grammar. At the back of the book there is a grammatical index to help you find the section you require.

Drills These are intended to be spoken aloud, for both pronunciation and grammar practice. Cover all but the top line with a sheet of paper, because the answer is given on the next line. Work through lhe drills line by line nd use them as a test to see if you are ready to move on to the next chapter; if you can complete them fluently, then you are. If you are not, carefully go through the chapter again.

Conversation Each week contains a sample of standard colloquial Dutch. It is important to remember that idiomatic language cannot be translated word for word. An English translation is given to enable you to compare
idioms. Practise reading the Dutch conversation aloud until you can do so without hesitating.


The course is rounded off with a few reading passages that have been graded according to their grammatical content; by the time you have completed Week 8, you should have sufficient knowledge to manage the first two passages. As a whole, the book provides the sound grammatical basis needed in order to speak, understand, read and write Dutch. But it is important to continue expanding your vocabulary through reading, listening to the radio if possible and, best of all, through visiting the country. We hope you will enjoy this course, and wish you success with your studies.