Similarities between Dutch and English

Marry the duke of Clarence to Mary of Burgundy. The duchess (Clarence's sister) was a fan of the idea, EIV, however, was not. Mary and Clarence only have a daughter, who marries EV/the duke of York ensuring a personal union of England and Burgundy.

As to English and Dutch combining a good example of it is Afrikaans. Mostly simplified Dutch (closer to Flemish than standard Dutch, I believe) with loan words from English, complete Anglicisms in places, and the rest transliterated from Malay, Khoi and other native languages.

Not to mention the position of Charles, duke of Burgundy, he probably preferred someone, who could benefit Burgundy more.
Later Mary the Rich, as a reigning duchess, she also would have preferred someone better capable to protect her lands. She wouldn't have rejected an offer of the king of England (or the prince of Wales), but I'm afraid that the duke of Clarence wouldn't be of much help against France.
In both cases Maximilian of Austria is a better candidate than the duke of Clarence.

AFAIK Afrikaans mostly developed out of Hollandic* dialects (Dutch dialects from Holland proper).
However I doubt even when Dutch would be more influenced by English and English more by Dutch, that TTL Dutch would develop in such a direction, there still will be French and German influence too.
 
Last edited:
Top