drs. Vivien Waszink

About Vivien Waszink

Language is constantly changing. That is normal, and fun. Every year, thousands of new words are added: a enrichment. Vivien finds it unfortunate that Dutch is often viewed with a red pen in hand, as there is so much more to do than just correcting d’s and t’s. Laughing at language mistakes is not chic for Vivien, but if necessary, she is happy to explain how to spell correctly. Furthermore, Vivien enjoys talking and writing about language change, youth language/hip-hop language, and much more. In 2022, Vivien wrote the book “Dat mag je óók (al niet meer) zeggen”: about inclusive language. Can you really say nothing anymore these days, or is that an exaggeration?

In 2021, she co-authored with Veronique De Tier about new words in “Knuffelcontact en waterwappie: de kracht van nieuwe woorden” and in the years prior, she wrote several books about language. In 2013, Vivien combined work (linguistics) and hobby (hip-hop) in the book Woord! the language of nederhop, because the verbal muscles in Dutch hip-hop are also well developed. In Woord!, Vivien explains when you are on, what street credibility is, and that gruesome can also mean something positive. And also why Ik ben cooler dan een pinguïn in een vriestas is a fun comparison and why rappers are not good at love songs. But above all: that Dutch hip-hop entails much more than just shouting Watskeburt?! and talking about doekoe, money, and bitches.

Vivien works there as a lexicographer on the General Dutch Dictionary (ANW) and the Dictionary of New Words (WNW). She also gives guest lectures and talks. She finds it a challenge to speak for different groups at very diverse events.

Additionally, Vivien is a sought-after radio guest: she has spoken about language on programs such as Taalstaat, De Nieuws BV, Ekdom in de morgen, and Nieuwsweekend. She also regularly explains language issues on the TV program Editie.nl.