Taalsturing

Taalsturing is a systematic approach to guiding language use within an organization or domain to ensure consistent, clear and appropriate communication. It covers decisions about terminology, style, tone and accessibility, and is often part of a broader language policy (taalbeleid).

Key components include terminology management (glossaries, controlled vocabularies), a style and tone guideline (voice, formality, audience), translation and localization policies, and processes for quality assurance such as proofreading and editorial review. Digital tools may support taalsturing through terminology databases, style guides, and translation management systems integrated into content workflows.

Governance usually involves roles such as a taalmanager or terminoloog, a redactiecommissie, and content owners who are responsible for maintaining assets and aligning outputs with policy. These roles coordinate the development and maintenance of language assets, approve editorial decisions, and monitor adherence across channels.

Applications of taalsturing are broad. It is used in public-sector communications, corporate communications, customer service, and on official websites. Benefits include improved consistency and efficiency, better accessibility and inclusivity, stronger brand alignment, and a reduced risk of misinterpretation or miscommunication.

Challenges include the resource requirements for maintaining terminology and style assets, keeping language assets up-to-date, balancing standardization with local adaptation, and ensuring plain language and inclusivity in multilingual or accessibility contexts. Taalsturing is typically part of a wider taalbeleid (language policy) and supports quality assurance in communications, often aligning with legal requirements related to accessibility and consumer protection.