hoofdspelling

Hoofdspelling is a term used in linguistics to describe the main or standard spelling form of a word within a language’s orthography. It refers to the spelling that is chosen as the basis for official writing and most formal texts, as opposed to variant spellings found in dialects, historical documents, or informal use. In Dutch-language contexts the concept is connected to the normative spellings published in official guides and dictionaries, such as those maintained by language authorities.

The hoofdspelling encompasses the core form of a word, including its stem and common affixes, and it interacts with rules for capitalization, hyphenation, and diacritics. It is the form recommended for everyday writing and education, while other spellings may persist in regional, historical, or stylistic contexts. The distinction helps writers maintain consistency across publications and formal communication.

Determination of the hoofdspelling is typically the result of standardization processes conducted by language authorities, lexicographers, and publishing groups. Such decisions are periodically revised to reflect changes in usage, borrowings, and evolving norms. Official spelling guides and dictionaries usually present the hoofdspelling as the headword, with notes on permissible variants or historical spellings.

In practice, the hoofdspelling guides formal writing and educational instruction, offering a reference point for correct and consistent usage. It coexists with historical spellings, dialectal forms, and accepted loanword adaptations, all of which may appear in specialized texts or informal communication.