Reply #59: We have had this debate here...

[Ben Ceremos]

in NL. What are our core values? What makes one Dutch? What is "required" for integration?
The answers were pathetically meager. Ham-kaas broodjes, zoute haring, "Oranje", de Wilhelmus, wintersport vacantie, soft-drugs tolerance, prostitution, freedom of speech, bicycles...Basically, the only thing that makes the Netherlands unique in its culture is our language. Period. If you learn to speak Dutch, you are 90% integrated. Most of the autochtonen (natives) don't know the national anthem any better than new arrivals. US assimilation hinges on language skills as well. Most cultures see the defence of language as essential to identity. Baguettes, sauerkraut, macchiatos, bocadillos...all these don't make you French, German, Italian or Spanish; but speaking the language will go a long way to getting you invited to parties.:party: :party: :party: