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Too Long a Story
🇳🇱 Netherlands /Culture & Society

Too Long a Story

From NRC Handelsblad · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • A Dutch teacher's attempt to explain a concept to her students was humorously interrupted by a student who suggested using the English phrase "it's not that deep."
  • The anecdote highlights a generational or linguistic gap where a simple English idiom conveyed the meaning more effectively than a lengthy explanation.
  • This short piece is a reader-submitted personal anecdote, typical of a column featuring brief personal experiences.

In a final Dutch language class of the school year, a teacher attempted to manage student expectations before a competition. She began a lengthy explanation, aiming to reassure students that not winning did not equate to a lack of skill in Dutch and promising treats for everyone later.

Her explanation was cut short by a student's interjection. "Teacher, just say 'it's not that deep'," the student advised. "Then we'll immediately understand what you mean."

This brief exchange, submitted by a reader for a column featuring personal anecdotes, humorously illustrates a communication shortcut. The student's suggestion points to the power of concise, modern English idioms to convey complex sentiments, potentially bridging a gap in understanding that the teacher's more traditional, lengthy explanation struggled to cross.

Mevrouw, zeg gewoon ‘it’s not that deep’. Dan begrijpen we meteen wat u bedoelt.

— StudentInterrupting the teacher's explanation to suggest a more concise English phrase.
DistantNews Editorial

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

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