Unlike other European nations, the Dutch chose not to follow a policy of language expansion amongst the indigenous peoples of their colonies. In the last quarter of the 19th century, however, a local elite gained proficiency in Dutch so as to meet the needs of expanding bureaucracy and business. Nevertheless, the Dutch government remained reluctant to teach Dutch on a large scale for fear of destabilising the colony. Dutch, the language of power, was supposed to remain in the hands of the leading elite.
Unlike other European nations , the Dutch chose not to follow a policy of language expansion amongst the indigenous peoples of their colonies . In the last quarter of the 19th century , however , a local elite gained proficiency in Dutch so as to meet the needs of expanding bureaucracy and business . Nevertheless , the Dutch government remained reluctant to teach Dutch on a large scale for fear of destabilising the colony . Dutch , the language of power , was supposed to remain in the hands of the leading elite .
What was the Dutch government afraid of doing if they taught their colonies Dutch?
What was the Dutch government afraid of doing if they taught their colonies Dutch ?
destabilising the colony
destabilising the colony