Standaardorthografie

Standaardorthografie refers to a codified set of spelling and punctuation rules that governs how a language is written in its standard form. It aims to ensure consistency, readability, and mutual understanding in formal communication across regions and time.

In Dutch, standard orthography is overseen by the Nederlandse Taalunie (Dutch Language Union), which coordinates language policy for the Netherlands and Flanders. The official spelling is published in reference works such as the Algemene Nederlandse Spelling and the Groene Boekje. The standard rules cover orthography (how words are spelled), capitalization, punctuation, hyphenation, and the treatment of loanwords and proper nouns, as well as numerals and abbreviations. The rules are periodically revised to reflect changes in usage and to incorporate new terms.

In practice, standard orthography is used in education, government, media, and most published texts, providing a basis for formal writing. Speakers may use dialectal forms or informal spellings in casual contexts; nonstandard spellings may occur in personal communications or marketing, but standard orthography remains the default in formal settings. The system is designed to be stable while allowing for adaptation through official updates.

The concept of standaardorthografie thus underpins written communication by promoting uniformity across the Dutch-speaking world, while recognizing regional differences and evolving language use.