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'Make English second official language'
08 August 2008

English must be made the official second language in Amsterdam so that all public transport, council services and police business can be conducted in Dutch or English, says the city’s D66 democrat party councillor Jan Paternotte in the Parool on Friday.

The call for the city to become officially bilingual has been made in a proposal drawn up by the councillor.

Paternotte says one in 10 of Amsterdam residents speaks English but no Dutch and while this is not a problem in shops and cafes, they face difficulties when dealing with local government institutions.

‘English is accepted everywhere in Amsterdam except at the city hall,’ says Paternotte. ‘Reporting a crime to the police can only be done in Dutch and local taxes are imposed only in Dutch.

‘But English is undoubtedly the second language of the city, simply because it is THE world language and many American and British people live here or come here on holiday,’ Paternotte tells the Parool.

Public information on the internet should also be in available in English, says Paternotte. In this way, foreigners would not put their rubbish out on the wrong day, he says.

Paternotte suggests too that English-speaking police officers wear union jack (Britsh flag) badges.

The Parool itself has taken the councillor’s words to heart and has published an English translation of it story on its website.

Click here to read full Parool story

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There goes the neighborhood, er I mean neighbourhood.

It already is in California & Texas.

i thought english was the second language in the uk already.....the oficial govt. language is bullshit i only speak english and gibberish

"Polish" is now the official language of England, followed closely by English.

axeman9 wrote:"Polish" is now the official language of England, followed closely by English.

Whats he difference between a polish man in London and ET?

Et speaks english and wants to go home:)

Little backing for Amsterdam's English plan
11 August 2008

A majority of Amsterdam city councillors are not in favour of making English an official second language, the Parool reported at the weekend.

Last week D66 councillor Jan Paternotte suggested that by becoming bilingual, Amsterdam would become a real 'world city' and be more attractive for both tourists and industry.

'The city is already English enough,' says Labour councillor Daniël Roos. 'It would be too much hassle.'

And Socialist councillor Carlien Boelhouwer tells the paper that the suggestion is 'ridiculous'. 'Why not go for Moroccan or Turkish?' she asks, adding that 'expats could learn a little Dutch as well.'

But Liberal councillor Huub Verweij sees merit in the plan. 'And then we should adopt the American attitude to service, German discipline, the beauty of northern Scandinavia and a real Liberal government for the city,' he says on his weblog.

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