[SPEAKING FRISIAN: tsiis, grien, swiet, kaai, ear] Although you probably never heard these Frisian words before, it is likely that you can guess what their meaning is, as it is similar to English. Welcome to the University of Groningen, one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands. The University of Groningen has branches in Groningen but also in Leeuwarden, the capital of the neighbouring province of Friesland. My name is Nanna Hilton. I’m an Assistant Professor of sociolinguistics at the Department of Frisian Language and Culture at the University of Groningen. I would like to welcome you to this free, online introductory Frisian course.

Are you interested in minority languages or are you enthusiastic to learn the language that is considered the nearest cousin of English? Do you have Frisian roots? Or do you plan to visit the beautiful province of Friesland and would like to understand the local language? Frisian is the second official language of the Netherlands. It is spoken in the province of Friesland by around half a million people, but many more can understand it. All native speakers of Frisian speak Dutch as a second language. That makes Friesland a bilingual province. Most signs are bilingual. In most bookshops, there’s a corner with Frisian books. Throughout the province, you will find Frisian music, theatre, and film productions.

And the local television and radio broadcasting is in Frisian. Frisian is also a required subject in both primary and secondary education. This free course enables you to learn Frisian up to a lower beginner’s level, meaning you should be able to understand some Frisian and use some elementary phrases and expressions.

We hope we will soon be able to say, [SPEAKING FRISIAN: wolkom by de kursus], welcome to the course and that you will have a great time acquiring new language skills.