The basics of Rotterdam language ( rotterdams ) can be explained in three easy to remember rules.

Similar to simplified chinese, rotterdam dialect is like simplified dutch. Instead of all the difficult verb conjunctions we have only two : singular and plural ( rule 1 ).

ik gaat ( i goes ) gaat jij ( do you goes .. ) hij gaat ( he goes ) and
wij gaan ( we go ) zij gaan ( they go ) etc.

From this, we derive the second rule, also known as the t-rule. If possible, or in any occasion suitable or not, append the consonant t to a word. In Amsterdam one would address a male acquaintance as : “he gozer” in Rotterdam dialect it would transform into : “he goozert”

“waar of dat het ook maar kant, plakt die t daar achterant”

Then, rotterdam dialect is known for it’s distinct inbetween words that one would normally convey through body language ( rule 3 ) : common expressions are “ja toch” and “zeker weetuh” ( affirmative reactions ) “sooooh” ( really?), “ech-wel” (for real) or “oohjaaajoh” (serious?) and soh ( affirmative, such as nodding one’s head or a slight positive sounding “mmm”).
“waar heb je dat gezien?” ( where did you see that? ) becomes “waar hebt je dat gezien dan ?” ( also note the application of the first rule in “hebt” )
and “you are a dj?” will become “oohjaaajoh, draait jij plaatjes dan?” where one would respond with “zeker weetuh!”

Like any dialect the devil is in the details, and in Rotterdam dialect it is in the pronunciation of the vowels, which are exaggerated and elongated with a slightly increasing pitch. Women would then also exaggerate the consonant p.

so “lopen” ( walking ) becomes “loooPhhuh”

easy not? ech wel!

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