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Limburg AI tool helps non-native workers learn Dutch on the job

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • An AI tool developed in Limburg helps non-native speakers learn Dutch on the job by translating difficult words in digital instructions.
  • The project, supported by the National Lottery, aims to increase independence and job prospects for employees at Noord-Limburgs Open Atelier, which assists people with barriers to employment.
  • The tool provides instant translations into the employee's native language, stores difficult words for review, and offers quizzes, while still encouraging exposure to Dutch.

An innovative AI application developed by UHasselt and Flanders Make, in collaboration with Noord-Limburgs Open Atelier, is set to revolutionize workplace language learning for non-native speakers. This tool allows employees to instantly translate challenging words in digital work instructions into their native language, directly on their tablets.

The project, backed by the National Lottery, specifically targets the needs of the Noord-Limburgs Open Atelier, an organization that helps individuals facing employment barriers find work. With a diverse workforce of approximately 130 employees from 23 different nationalities, the organization recognized language as a significant hurdle in understanding instructions and advancing careers.

For employers, knowledge of Dutch is one of the first requirements to hire someone. That's why we looked for a way to provide our employees with extra support so they can work more independently and be stronger when they move on to a new job. Learning Dutch with us therefore happens not alongside work, but during work.

— Ella KuppensFinancial director of Open Atelier, explaining the need for the AI tool.

"For employers, knowledge of Dutch is one of the first requirements to hire someone," stated Ella Kuppens, financial director of Open Atelier. "That's why we looked for a way to provide our employees with extra support so they can work more independently and be stronger when they move on to a new job. Learning Dutch with us therefore happens not alongside work, but during work."

Difficult words can be saved to a personal vocabulary list, and users can practice with short quizzes. The work instructions are therefore not fully translated, because the goal is precisely that employees remain in contact with Dutch. The support only appears when it is really necessary.

— Eva GeurtsProfessor doctor at UHasselt, describing how the AI tool functions.

The AI tool functions as an overlay on existing digital instructions. Employees can click on any word for an immediate translation. Professor Dr. Eva Geurts of UHasselt explained that difficult words can be saved to a personal vocabulary list, and users can practice with short quizzes. Crucially, the system does not translate the entire instruction, ensuring continued exposure to Dutch.

Researcher Maria Hendrikx added that the AI-generated translations and quizzes are validated and adjusted as needed, maintaining the stability and reliability of the instructions. Flemish Minister of Social Economy Hilde Crevits praised the initiative, highlighting how innovation, inclusion, and work can go hand in hand, with language being key to talent development.

This project shows how innovation, inclusion, and work can go hand in hand. Language plays a key role in being able to grow and develop talents, also in the workplace.

— Hilde CrevitsFlemish Minister of Social Economy, commenting on the AI tool's value.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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