News bulletin in "easy Dutch"
19 September 2024
Imagine moving to the Netherlands, eager to follow the news, but when you turn on the bulletin, all you hear is complex Dutch – long words, convoluted sentences, and tricky guttural sounds. That's about to change. The Dutch public broadcaster has launched a daily news bulletin in simplified language.
Every day at 5pm on national TV, a presenter delivers the news with clear explanations, fewer complex words, and no assumptions about background knowledge. The pace is slower, with more visuals and fewer stories than other bulletins.
This programme is designed not just for newcomers, but for anyone who struggles with regular news – whether it's the elderly, people with learning difficulties, disrupted education, or those from a migration background.
In fact, an estimated 1 in 7 people in the Netherlands – about 2.5 million – have difficulties with reading, writing or arithmetic. For them, understanding not just the news, but also information from municipalities, hospitals, housing agencies, and schools can be difficult. A 2021 study found that 62% of Dutch local government communication was difficult to understand for those with lower education.
 | Nathan Domon Illiteracy is often overlooked in Europe, but its impact is significant. UNESCO estimates that 73 million European adults – nearly one in five working-age people – are functionally illiterate. Many of them struggle to fully engage in society, whether it's accessing essential services or participating in civic life. That's why initiatives like simplified news bulletins aren't just helpful - they're essential for a healthy democracy. |
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