Tsarina Language & Media

16/09/2025

Van taal tot stilte: mijn ervaring in de hoofdrol van de Zeeuwse film DOOF.
Komend weekend, op zaterdag 20 september om 13:00 uur, gaat de Zeeuwse film DOOF in première op het Film by the Sea Festival in Vlissingen. Voor mij als Vlissingse taaldocente en actrice krijgt het jaarlijkse filmfestival dit jaar een bijzonder tintje: ik speel de hoofdrol in deze indrukwekkende film, geregisseerd door Ben Flore uit Goes.

Voor iemand die leeft van spreken, lesgeven en verhalen vertellen, was het spelen van een volledig stille personage één van de meest intense en vormende ervaringen van mijn leven. Geen woorden. Geen stem. Alleen stilte. En juist in die stilte ontdekte ik een nieuwe kracht.

De film vertelt het verhaal van een vrouw die haar baan verliest – niet omdat ze faalt, maar simpelweg omdat ze doof is. Toch vindt ze, met moed, creativiteit en een onverwachte bondgenoot, een manier om terug te vechten. En onderweg ontdekt ze een nieuw doel… en een nieuwe liefde die geen geluid nodig heeft om gehoord te worden.

Voor deze rol als dove architecte moest ik iets heel bijzonders doen: een nieuwe taal leren. Naast de zes talen die ik al spreek, leerde ik speciaal voor deze rol Nederlandse Gebarentaal (NGT). Daarbij kreeg ik fantastische steun van Rosalieke Howldar, mijn hoormentor die zelf doof is. Zij leerde mij de eerste stappen in gebarentaal en hielp mijn rol zo authentiek mogelijk neer te zetten.

Zij verwoordde het prachtig:
"Het is een bijzondere film geworden die de uitdagingen blootlegt van doven in een horende maatschappij en laat zien hoeveel moed en veerkracht zij nodig hebben."

Internationale belangstelling groeit al: de Canadese streamingdienst Global Nonviolent neemt DOOF én de eerdere productie Garden of Eden van Ben Flore op in haar aanbod.

🎬 Première: zaterdag 20 september, 13:00 uur – Film by the Sea, Vlissingen
📽 Trailer: https://youtu.be/GxqiY3SwO4w

Ik ben diep dankbaar voor deze reis. En voor het hele team dat deze film mogelijk maakte: Richard van Iwaarden, Peter Koeman, Inge Lefevre, Rosalieke Howldar, PeterLaunspach Maarten Den Hollander, Diana Van Wijngaarden en natuurlijk Ben Flore. Samen hebben we iets gemaakt dat niet alleen een film is, maar ook een boodschap.

🎬 Klaar voor de première? Mis het niet! Scoor je tickets bij CineCity: https://www.filmbythesea.nl/voorstellingen/films/5855-doof

14/09/2025

🎬 Deaf - Beyond the Silence. Official Trailer.
What if silence became your greatest strength?
In the Dutch film Deaf Beyond the Silence ( ), Tsarina, a language teacher and actress from Vlissingen, plays a deaf architect who loses her job simply because of her deafness. Without words, without a voice – but with courage, creativity, and sign language – she fights back and discovers new love.

For this role, Tsarina learned Dutch Sign Language (NGT), making her performance truly authentic. Directed by Ben Flore, the film is already gaining international attention, including distribution through Global Nonviolent.

Beyond the screen, Tsarina shows how language can open doors and change lives. 🌍
Discover more at www.tsarina.info
and www.tsarina.info/book

🎬 Premiere: Saturday, September 20 at 13:00 – Film by the Sea, Vlissingen

"Silenced by the world, a deaf woman discovers her true strength. Together with an unlikely ally, she finds a powerful way to fight back."

DOOF (Filmtrailer) – Wat als stilte je kracht wordt?Wanneer een dove vrouw onrecht wordt aangedaan, bundelt ze de krachten met een onverwachte bondgenoot. Me...

25/07/2025

Your Mind Creates Stories — But You Don’t Have to Believe Them

Fear doesn’t live in the now. It lives in the what if — the future you imagine, the “what could go wrong” stories your mind keeps replaying.

Your mind is like an overworried parent, endlessly spinning soap operas about things that haven’t even happened. Mark Twain said it perfectly:
“I have had many problems in my life, most of which never happened.”

The secret? You don’t wait for fear to disappear. You move in spite of it.

Successful people have fear too. They feel doubt. But they refuse to let those feelings stop them from acting.

This is true not just for money or business, but for learning a new language — and starting a new life in a new culture.

You CAN become fluent. You CAN connect deeply. You CAN thrive.

That’s why I wrote my book, “32 Brilliant Ways to Survive and Thrive in a New Country.” Because language isn’t just words — it’s the key to freedom, belonging, and a future you deserve.

So when fear whispers, remind yourself:
“I will act anyway. I will move forward. I will create my own story.”

Your mind is powerful. Teach it to work for you, not against you.

25/07/2025

Your Mind Creates Stories — But You Don’t Have to Believe Them

Fear doesn’t live in the now. It lives in the what if — the future you imagine, the “what could go wrong” stories your mind keeps replaying.

Your mind is like an overworried parent, endlessly spinning soap operas about things that haven’t even happened. Mark Twain said it perfectly:
“I have had many problems in my life, most of which never happened.”

The secret? You don’t wait for fear to disappear. You move in spite of it.

Successful people have fear too. They feel doubt. But they refuse to let those feelings stop them from acting.

This is true not just for money or business, but for learning a new language — and starting a new life in a new culture.

You CAN become fluent. You CAN connect deeply. You CAN thrive.

That’s why I wrote my book, “32 Brilliant Ways to Survive and Thrive in a New Country.” Because language isn’t just words — it’s the key to freedom, belonging, and a future you deserve.

So when fear whispers, remind yourself:
“I will act anyway. I will move forward. I will create my own story.”

Your mind is powerful. Teach it to work for you, not against you.

www.tsarina.info/book

05/06/2025

My Story – Why I Do What I Do

I know what it feels like to arrive in a new country, full of dreams, yet unsure of how to belong. I’ve been that person, standing at the edge of a new life, not knowing the language, the customs, or where to start.

But I also know the joy of breaking through.

I do this because I’ve walked the path myself.

Because I know what it feels like to land in a new country, full of hope, fear, and questions.

Because I remember what it’s like to not understand…
And how powerful it is to finally be understood.

I taught myself Dutch in just four months, and built a fulfilling life and career in a country that once felt foreign. I know the tools, the mindset, and the emotional resilience it takes. And now, I give that knowledge to others.

I do this work because I believe language is more than grammar or vocabulary. It’s F R E E D O M. It’s confidence. It’s connection. When people find their voice in a new language, they reclaim their power.

I teach with joy, speed, and heart. I help people integrate, succeed, and feel human again, because I’ve lived every step of their journey.

And most of all…

I do it because when they see me, they believe they can do it too.

And they’re right.

I don’t have children of my own. But I carry a deep desire to pass on everything I’ve learned: every insight, every technique, every hard-won piece of wisdom. My students are my legacy. When they grow, speak freely, find belonging, and build a life they love, I know I’ve done my life’s work.

I do this because I believe no one should have to struggle alone in a new country.

Because I want others to feel empowered, not alone, to know they can adapt, thrive, and even shine in a new environment.

Because I’ve seen that learning a language can be a joyful process, not a painful one, and I want to share that light.

Because I understand that language is more than words. I believe that language is not just a skill. It is identity.

Because I am a bridge between cultures, between people, between where someone is and where they dream of being.

I am here to show: It’s possible. You can do it. And I’ll walk with you every step of the way.

👉 Get inspired and take your first step. Buy my book “32 brilliant ways to survive and thrive in a new country” at www.tsarina.info/book, or book a course by sending a short message to [email protected].

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01/06/2025

This Is What REAL Luxury Looks Like | It’s Not What You Think

What if everything you thought about luxury… was wrong?

• Society says luxury means:
o Expensive cars
o Designer brands
o Exotic vacations
o Lavish homes
o Private jets and prestige

But here’s what real luxury truly looks like—especially for those of us rebuilding life abroad, learning a new language, or chasing meaning, not money:

• Slow, peaceful mornings without an alarm
• Freedom to choose how you spend your time
• A deep, restful night’s sleep
• Peace of mind and emotional clarity
• Calm, unhurried days where nothing dramatic happens
• Being fully present - mind, body, and soul
• People who love you, and whom you love back
• Living a life of purpose, not performance
• Sharing yourself with others and making a quiet impact
• Feeling safe, seen, and whole in any language or culture

These aren’t things to collect.
They’re signs of a life well-lived.
A life lived intentionally.
A life that feels like home, no matter where you are in the world.

What does real luxury look like for you? Please comment below; I read every reply.

👉Order my book “32 Brilliant Ways to Thrive in a New Country” at www.tsarina.info/book

Discover how to build confidence, find purpose, and feel at home wherever you are.

02/04/2025

Ik ben enorm enthousiast om te delen dat morgen, 3 april, een dag uit mijn leven wordt uitgezonden in het programma Thuis in Zeeland op Omroep Zeeland. In deze documentaire krijg je een kijkje in mijn werk, mijn passies en mijn liefde voor taal en cultuur.

Wat kun je verwachten?

✅ Nederlandse les met Oekraïense vluchtelingen – inspirerende verhalen over taal en integratie.
✅ Russische les met Joey – hoe een nieuwe taal deuren kan openen.
✅ Interviews in de boekhandel en bij mij thuis – mijn reis als taaldocent en beëdigd vertaler.
✅ Prachtige beelden van de Zeeuwse kust en lokale lekkernijen – een stukje cultuur om van te genieten.

De documentaire is geregisseerd door Bart Grimbergen uit Hilversum en gefilmd door Robbert Bleys uit Utrecht. Ik ben hen ontzettend dankbaar voor hun vakmanschap en visie.

💡 Ben jij expat of werk je in een internationaal bedrijf? Wil je je Nederlands (NT2), Business English of Maritiem Engels verbeteren om je carrière een boost te geven? Laten we connecten!

📌 Volg mijn YouTube-kanaal voor exclusieve content: https://youtube.com/

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Taalfouten kunnen hilarisch zijn!😊

Als taaltrainer weet ik hoe belangrijk het is om met een schone lei te beginnen. Maar toen ik net in Nederland was, dacht ik dat de uitdrukking was: "met een schone luier beginnen". Dat zou pas écht een frisse start zijn!

Nog een grappige fout: in mijn eerste maand op een nieuwe baan kreeg ik een takenlijst. Eén van mijn maandelijkse taken was "Kas opmaken". In het Nederlands heeft dit twee betekenissen:
1️⃣ Alle contanten tellen en de boekhouding afsluiten.
2️⃣ Alle kasgeld uitgeven.

Je raadt het al… ik koos voor de tweede! Ik kocht prachtige planten om het kantoor op te fleuren. Pas later ontdekte ik dat het eigenlijk om de administratie ging.

📖 Wil je meer weten over taal, cultuur en integratie? Bestel mijn boek:
➡️ www.tsarina.info/book

🎙️ Als kers op de taart ben ik op 3 april om 10:30 uur ook live op Omroep Zeeland Radio in het programma Goedemorgen Zeeland.

📊 Poll: Heb jij ooit een grappige taalfout gemaakt?

1️⃣ Ja! Ik heb weleens een hilarische taalblunder gemaakt.
2️⃣ Nee, ik beheers elke taal perfect! (denk ik 😉)

💬 Laat je leukste taalblunder achter in de reacties!

25/01/2025

Walking through the vibrant streets of El Quseir!
The local market is bursting with colors, spices, and handmade treasures. From Bedouin stalls to traditional bazaars, every corner tells a story of history and culture. Did you know this town was once a hub for pilgrims traveling to Mecca? 🕌

Riddle: In which language are these?

Sabah al-khayr = Good morning

Masaa’ al-khayr = Good evening

Yawman Sa‘eed = Have a nice day

Comment your guess below! 💬 (Hint: It’s beautiful and poetic!)
Answer: ?💡

🎥 My journey continues: live chat online, shopping, and exploring this fascinating city. Interested in learning languages? Let me guide you! Whether you’re an expat, part of an international company, or simply curious, my lessons will help you thrive in the Netherlands and beyond.

📩 Let me know if you have any questions!
🌐 Book your session: www.tsarina.info/book

Kijk, volg en ontdek meer trending content.

18/01/2025

Diving with a Turtle: Learn 5 Languages While Exploring the Ocean! 🐢🌊
Did you know turtles were once considered symbols of protection in ancient cultures? While exploring this stunning underwater world, I couldn’t help but marvel at how travel, history, and language all connect so beautifully.

Speaking of connections, how do you say turtle in your language? Here’s a quick dive into a few:

Dutch: Schildpad

Spanish: Tortuga

Italian: Tartaruga

Russian: Черепаха (cherepakha)

Arabic: سلحفاة (sulḥafāh)

💬 QUIZ TIME:
1️⃣ Can you guess which breathtaking country I’m in?
2️⃣ What’s the word for turtle in your language? Drop your guesses in the comments below!

✨ Want to explore the world more confidently through language? Join me for fun lessons and let’s unlock new adventures together!

www.tsarina.info

Tsarina Translations Tsarina Translations and Language School

Did you know turtles were once considered symbols of protection in ancient cultures? While exploring this stunning underwater world, I couldn’t help but marv...

13/01/2025

Learn Dutch and Thrive in the Netherlands: NT2 Tips and Language Learning Insights with Katerina
Dive into an inspiring cultural adaptation, resilience, and growth story. Katerina Hofman moved to the Netherlands from Czechia in 2008. Her journey from navigating cultural differences to feeling truly at home here is remarkable. Let’s unpack her secrets to thriving in a new country.

Part 1

Highlights from Our Chat:
💬 Biggest Challenge: Moving to the Netherlands meant adjusting to a completely new culture, lifestyle, and language. It wasn’t easy, but Katerina embraced the change step by step.

💡 Top Advice for Newcomers:

- Enjoy Every Day: Celebrate the little wins and cherish each moment.
- Learn Dutch Gradually: Start small, and don’t stress over perfection.
- Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Join clubs, sports teams, or hobby groups to connect with others.
- Express Yourself: Language is key to feeling understood and building relationships.

✨ What She Misses:
Like many newcomers, Katerina longs for the warmth of family gatherings and the ease of chatting in her native language.

✨ Her Greatest Achievement:
Feeling at home in the Netherlands - a testament to her perseverance and positive mindset.

🔑 Secrets to Success in a New Culture:

- Take things one day at a time.
- Find a balance between work and life.
- Make an effort to connect with people and embrace the local way of life.

✨ Katerina’s vision for the future?
To keep enjoying every single day while living her best life in the Netherlands.

This interview is packed with insights for anyone starting fresh in a new country. Whether you’re struggling to learn Dutch, find a job, or make friends, Katerina’s story shows that with patience and determination, you can overcome any challenge.

This is just the first part - stay tuned and subscribe to our channel for the second part of the interview with Katerina!

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories!

👉 Start your Dutch journey today with our NT2 course! Take the first step towards thriving in the Netherlands and register at www.tsarina.info

👉Order my book, “32 Brilliant Ways to Survive and Thrive in a New Country” at www.tsarina.info/book
--It’s a practical guide with 32 effective solutions for expats to understand Dutch culture.
--Who are the Dutch? How can you make your life here successful and enjoyable?
--It’s also a thoughtful holiday gift for anyone navigating a new culture. Order your signed copy with a personalized message and free shipping at www.tsarina.info/book

Hey! Today, we dive into an inspiring cultural adaptation, resilience, and growth story. I sat down with Katerina Hofman, who moved to the Netherlands from C...

30/12/2024

Master Business English for Career Success
Are you ready to thrive in the world of global business? Whether you're an expat, corporate professional, or entrepreneur, our Business English Cambridge Course equips you to communicate confidently, present effectively, and build meaningful relationships worldwide.

Whether leading international teams, negotiating deals, or presenting to global stakeholders, this course provides the skills to communicate clearly and confidently.

🌟Course Highlights
• 20-Week Program: Two focused lessons per week.
o Hour 1: Grammar Made Practical: Master essential grammar—tenses, conditionals, modals—for clarity in every business interaction.
o Hour 2: Business Communication Focus: Master the language of meetings, negotiations, marketing, and project management to excel in any corporate setting.
• Interactive Debates & Role-Playing: Gain real-world application skills.
• Live Zoom Classes: Flexible and globally accessible.

🌟What You’ll Achieve
• Confidence in presenting, networking, and collaborating.
• Practical tools for email writing, public speaking, and problem-solving.
• Polished vocabulary for discussing finance, culture, and teamwork.

🌟Who Is This Course For?
• Expats: Integrate seamlessly into English-speaking professional environments.
• Professionals: Ideal for careers in business, law, finance, or management.
• HR Managers: Tailored training for non-native English-speaking teams.
• Entrepreneurs: Expand into global markets with polished communication skills.

🌟Why Choose Us?
Led by experienced educators, this course offers a personalized, engaging learning experience tailored to your professional goals.
Learn from an experienced native speaker and educator specializing in language and communication coaching. The dynamic teaching style blends business expertise with real-world scenarios, making lessons both practical and inspiring.

🌟Key Details
• Start Date: Flexible
• Price: Competitive rates are available upon inquiry
📩 Contact Us Now to Reserve Your Spot! Limited spaces available.
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Visit: www.tsarina.info
📩 Sign Up for a FREE trial lesson: Register Here https://www.tsarina.info/elearning/mod/page/view.php?id=66
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🌟 This video on YouTube: https://youtube.com/shorts/q2sncrBCkJ8
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Ready to transform your career with Business English?
🌟Program Overview: Course Outline
For a detailed course outline, visit: Program Overview https://www.tsarina.info/elearning/mod/page/view.php?id=66
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👉Order my book, “32 Brilliant Ways to Survive and Thrive in a New Country” at www.tsarina.info/book

--It’s a practical guide with 32 effective solutions for expats to understand Dutch culture.

--Who are the Dutch? How can you make your life here successful and enjoyable?

--It’s also a thoughtful holiday gift for anyone navigating a new culture. Order your signed copy with a personalized message and free shipping at www.tsarina.info/book

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