taalvoering

Taalvoering is the deliberate management of language use within a text, organization, or public communication to ensure consistency, clarity and alignment with a defined policy or brand. The concept covers decisions about which language variety to use (standard Dutch, regional forms, or multilingual contexts), as well as how to spell, punctuate, and phrase information in a coherent way across materials.

In practice, taalvoering comprises several elements: a language policy or huisstijl (house style), a terminology management system or glossary, guidelines on tone and register, and rules for spelling and punctuation. It also includes decisions on terminology prioritization, abbreviations, and the use of regional dialects or translatability. In multilingual settings, taalvoering coordinates localization and ensures terminology consistency across languages.

Implementation typically involves appointing a language or editorial lead, creating and maintaining a huisstijl and glossary, and integrating language rules into content workflows. Tools such as style guides, terminology databases, and translation workflows support editors, communicators, and translators. Regular audits help detect drift and ensure updates reflect language change.

Taalvoering is relevant in corporate communications, government or public institutions, media and publishing, and large-scale translation projects. It supports clear and coherent messaging, brand identity, and efficient collaboration across teams and languages, while also requiring ongoing attention to inclusivity, accessibility, and the evolution of language norms.