January-March 2012 Samenvieren

Yesterday was another Samenvieren(party/event) that organized by my Samenleven family. It was a party to celebrate all the birthdays from January to March that held in Elburg where the owner of the house was the Family Groothand. This party was optional if you want to join or be the host of it. It was organized by some of the active members of SL Family in order to get together and improve the Dutch-Filipino relationship. Me and Dennis had a great time to celebrate our birthdays with Samenleven family, got to know them better and had quality bonding with them. As what we expected, it was the same routine as the previous parties. Potluck of food courtesy by the celebrants/hosts and gift giving from the guests. All of us had fun in the party. I hope it will not be the last time and have more gatherings with Samenleven Family.

B1 for Lezen

This morning, our docent(teacher), Jeanneke, gave us a test(toets) to check what level are we now in Dutch. She already told us regarding this last week but still, we felt anxious because we didn't prepare for this exam. We felt also excitement because we wanted also to see how far we went through in learning Dutch. It was nice way to check if we were good enough or we need to study hard more. Jeanneke gave us first the Reading Exam(Lezen Toets) which contained 20 questions. She asked us to answer it for 45 min.- 1 hour. There were some texts that contained two or three questions,. Mostly of the questions were multiple choice which pushed you to use your critical thinking. There was one schema that you needed to fill in based on the texts .

I find the exam difficult because of the time pressure and a lot of words that I need to look the meaning in the dictionary. Using dictionary consumes your time too so I try to understand the questions well without using it and search the answers in hasty ways. I'm so happy that in spite of complexities of some words, I got a B1 score for my Reading toets. I'm not really expecting this score because my Dutch is not really good enough. But still, this signals me that I'm getting better and can even more better if I will study hard and practice more in Dutch. I had no idea when Jeanneke would give the left three toets but I would try to make myself ready for this exams so I can get the same score with the Readding toets or more. 

In order for us to have diplomas in all four exams of Staastexamen Programma I, we need to reach the level B1 or B1+ in reading(lezen), listening(luisteren), writing(schrijven) and speaking(spreken) exams. This levels are based on Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

According to the Wikipedia, the Common European Framework divides learners into three broad divisions which can be divided into six levels:

A Basic User

A1 Breakthrough or beginner

A2 Waystage or elementary

B Independent User

B1 Threshold or intermediate

B2 Vantage or upper intermediate

C Proficient User

C1 Effective Operational Proficiency or advanced

C2 Mastery or proficiency

The CEFR describes what a learner is supposed to be able to do in reading, listening, speaking and writing at each level.

A1  - Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help

A2 -  Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

B1 -  Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

B2 -  Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

C1 -  Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

C2 -  Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations.

Niveaus volgens de (oude) NT2 niveauaanduiding  

 

Er zijn volgens de oude aanduiding vijf NT2-niveaus. U leest hier wat een cursist moet kunnen deze niveaus.

NT2-niveau 1
U begrijpt korte zinnen en woorden. U kunt ze gebruiken op bekende plaatsen en in bekende situaties. Bijvoorbeeld in de winkel, bij uw kinderen op school of op uw werk. U kunt een klein beetje praten en verstaan, lezen en schrijven. U hebt wel vaak hulp nodig met moeilijke woorden. Soms begrijpt u een paar woorden uit een moeilijke zin. Bijvoorbeeld een naam of de tijd. U kunt op een formulier uw naam en adres en andere bekende gegevens invullen.

NT2-niveau 2
U kunt korte gesprekken voeren in bekende situaties. Soms moet iemand u helpen. Maar u begrijpt het meeste wel. U kunt vragen stellen en antwoorden geven in het Nederlands. U kunt makkelijk praten over onderwerpen waar u meer van afweet. Soms moet u vragen of mensen langzaam willen praten. De meeste onderwerpen van het nieuws op radio en tv begrijpt u. U kunt korte, duidelijke teksten lezen. U kunt korte briefjes schrijven.

NT2-niveau 3
U kunt gemakkelijk met Nederlanders praten. Bijvoorbeeld om te vragen hoe het met iemand gaat. U kunt gemakkelijk afspraken maken of iets uitleggen. In korte zinnen maakt u niet veel fouten. U kent belangrijke zinnen en kunt die goed gebruiken. Als u moet spreken in moeilijke situaties maakt u fouten. Toch begrijpen mensen wat u bedoelt. U begrijpt belangrijke zaken en details van radio en televisieprogramma’s. U kunt korte teksten zonder veel fouten schrijven. Dit wordt gemakkelijker als de teksten vaak terugkomen. Bijvoorbeeld voor uw opleiding of werk.

NT2-niveau 4
U kunt goed privé-gesprekken en zakelijke gesprekken voeren. U spreekt gemakkelijk over praktische zaken, maar ook over zaken voor uw werk. U gebruikt veel verschillende woorden en zinnen. U maakt weinig fouten. Radio- en tv-programma’s kunt u goed volgen. Zeker als er duidelijk gesproken wordt. U begrijpt moeilijke teksten met veel informatie. U begrijpt ook moeilijke teksten over uw vak. U kunt ook teksten voor uw opleiding of werk schrijven. Soms maakt u nog fouten in spelling en grammatica.

NT2- niveau 5
U kunt het Nederlands heel gemakkelijk begrijpen en gebruiken, ook de uitdrukkingen. U gebruikt het Nederlands bijna zoals u uw eigen taal gebruikt. U begrijpt verschillende soorten (moeilijke) teksten: teksten voor werk, opleiding en privé-leven. U kunt ook (bijna) correct schrijven.

Another Year For Me

Last March 3, 2012 was my birthday. It just remind me that I am not a kid any more and growing up as a matured woman. Mostly, I celebrated my birthday with my family and few close friends. But this year was different because I celebrated it for the first time not in the Philippines and away from my family. But still, I am happy to celebrate it with my loved ones here in The Netherlands especially my liefe schatje, Dennis.

I didn't throw a party on the day of my birthday because we were  also invited in two different parties. We decided to attend those parties so we didn't need to make ourselves busy in organizing a party. We went first to the party of the two boys of one of the close friends of Dennis. We received the invitation letter last January and the wish list (cadeaulijst) of the kids (It is normal here to make a list of what you want as presents) so it's going to be easy for us to choose gifts for them. Few weeks before the party, we need to confirm if we were going to attend the party. Normally, Dutch don't feel comfortable to the people who are not announcing or making appointment  that they are dropping in, not only during birthdays. We arrived there around 14.00 in the afternoon and greeted the hosts through saying, "Gefeliceteerd (met je Verjaardag)" and kissing them three times on the cheek.

In a traditional Dutch birthday party, you will enter the room with the chairs and go and congratulate everybody who is already there with the birthday. You go around the circle, people already sitting there stand up, you shake hands, say "Gefeliciteerd", and if there's a female involved, kiss three times on the cheek. This means that if you come early, you'll have to stand up for every new arrival, and if you come late it'll be a lot of work to go visit everybody. Then you take a seat in the circle. Usually someone will come and offer cake and coffee. Mostly, the ratio is 1:1, meaning you will receive one cup of coffee and one piece of cookie/cake. Once offered second serving of coffee, you may get another round of cookie.  Sometimes, they offer you some finger foods like chips, mini kroket or bitterbal, toast with salad and slices of cheese cucumber , olives, sausages. Then, they will offer you  again drinks. Regarding the cake, brought in to the celebrant with a song “Lang zal ze leven”, the Dutch equivalent of Happy Birthday. People here in The Netherlands hang birthday calendars to remind them of the birthdays of all their family and friends. When a Dutch person is unable to visit the birthday party, a card is always sent to the celebrant. When you are the celebrant and received some gifts, you need to open the gifts in the front of the person who gave the gift to you and say how nice/beautiful the gift and say thank you in dutch "dankjewel".

The second party was for Rene, the boyfriend of Nanthicia, my Thai Friend. We went in their house after dinner with the host of the first party. Nanthicia lives in the same street with us so no worry for us when we go home late or drink alcohol without worrying to drive. On this party, you will also expect the same procedure of  typical Dutch birthday party but it is little bit more loose than the other one. We gave the Bacardi white rum as a present to Rene. I was also surprised that they gave me a birthday cake. How sweet of them to remember my birthday! We drinked and ate while listening to the music and watched some funny videos. Of course! A lot of conversations on that day. 

 

The next day, we invited Ton, father of Dennis to have dinner with us. Again, another surprise for me... a bouquet of flowers and gift card from Ton. Actually, he asked me what  present I want to receive on my birthday. I was thinking if I would tell him to give some personal things, maybe, he would buy the wrong thing that's why I decided just to have gift card which I could choose gift on my own. I baked also an apple tart on that day and it was nice that they loved it. In our dinner, Dennis made his specialty, lasagna and after that, we had coffee and slice of apple tart while watching TV. 

My birthday became more special when I received the greetings from Robert and Kaye-lin, the children that I am taking care of . Birthday artworks that made personally by them just for me. 

My schatje, Dennis had also presents for me. He gave me a personalised mug with a sweet message on it, solar alarm clock to wake up me early when I have school, and my advanced birthday gift, winter boots. Even I don't ask him to give me presents, he still always surprise and think of me. Being sweet and thoughtful are some of the characteristics of Dennis that makes me more fall in love with him.

You'll always be my Valentine!

Every 14th of February or Valentine's day, couples/lovers are preparing how they can make special on that day. For the reason, Valentines day is a day of love, romance and relationships where we exchange flowers, chocolates, cards, and loving sentiments with warm feelings of admiration, affection, and infatuation. In many countries, restaurants and eateries are seen to be filled with couples who are eager to celebrate their relationship and the joy of their togetherness through delicious cuisines. 

Valentine's day is not only for couples/lovers but includes everyone loved by us. It is celebrated to express love to anyone we are closed to. He/She would be our parents, siblings, children, friends, relatives or dear ones. We must take opportunity of the Valentine's Day to express our love and gratitude to all persons we love.

For those single persons, they feel that the V-day strongly reminds them of their unattached status and not having someone to spend the day in romantic and much popularized manner. But they can make the most of Valentine's Day by spending the day in the company of those they love or by indulging themselves with something luxurious.

For me, Valentine's day is just the same with the ordinary days. I never had valentine's date before or received flowers or sweet stuffs on that day. But this year was different, full of surprises and sweetness that I felt on that day. I saw a gift on our  computer chair when I woke up this morning. It was a heart-shaped pillow with I love You's on it. I felt surprised because I didn't expect it. I said to Dennis few days before V-day that it was not needed to make something special on Valentine's Day. But still, he wanted me to surprise and made me feel special.

Dennis gave me a heart-shaped pillow and blanket(with I Love You designs) to keep me warm and remind me that he always love me as said by him, and a personalized  photo canvas of us with a sweet message by him. I wanted also that I had something to return on him. I gave him a couple cute mugs where I just bought it on the same day and made a nice dinner for us.

Valentine's day 2012 was the first V-day that we (me and Dennis) celebrated together.  Being together on that day and for long time was enough for me but having with these stuffs, our V-day made more special and strengthened more our relationship. Contentedly being with him, I can say now that... Dennis will always be my Valentine!

Freezing Netherlands!

This last few days, The Netherlands converted into freezing landscape because of the decreasing temperature  from zero degree Celsius down to -10 degrees or much more lower. Last Friday (3 February), a heavy snow invaded The Netherlands which brought major traffic problems, train and plane cancelled. But of course, for the children, it was nice to play outside, throwing the snow ball, making a snow man or skating over the frozen rivers.

Playing on snow with kids (Robert and Kaye-lyn), Nanthicia and Dennis

According to Wikipedia, a cold wave was registered in the Netherlands, with a low of −18.9 °C (−2.0 °F) in De Bilt, the lowest recorded since 1956, and a national low of −22.8 °C (−9.0 °F) in Lelystad, the lowest temperature recorded all over the Netherlands since 1985. . A homeless man was frozen to death on February 2.  People have been ice-skating on the canals of Amsterdam.

After a few more days of freezing weather, the cold snap brought misery to Europe especially in Ukraine which is reportedly the biggest hit area with nearly 100 deaths in the country. Most of these deaths were due to people being homeless and not having a place to stay warm. But for The Netherlands, it was the most exciting moment for them to hold again the Elfstedentocht, a natural ice-skating marathon in the northern province of Friesland that goes through 11 cities and covers 200 kilometres.The last four tours were held in 1997, 1986, 1985 and 1963.Dutch people speculated about the possibility to organize this mythical tour in Friesland. Unfortunately, the ice was not good enough to handle the race. The ice didn't reach the required thickness which should be at least 15cm length. Frustrations or sadness was felt by some of the Dutch people for stopping,organising this event but still, they were looking forward that it's going to be happen in the near future.

Walking on the frozen lake