The Dutch Language Union: three countries united by one language
The Dutch language is spoken in the Netherlands, Belgian Flanders and Suriname. These three areas have been working together on linguistic issues, language policy, language teaching and literature for many years. In 1980, the cooperation between the Netherlands and Flanders was confirmed by founding the Taalunie. Suriname has been an associate member of the Taalunie since 2004. Three countries, each with its own history, but with a shared interest: a language that can be used effectively by as many of their inhabitants as possible, both within and outside their language areas.The Dutch language is flourishing and healthy
The number of Dutch speakers is increasing, many new works of Dutch literature are being published and interest in the Dutch language is growing abroad. A vigorous, living language, Dutch doesn't need much help to survive, but every now and then a few rules and regulations are required to keep everyone working together harmoniously. And that is precisely why the Taalunie was founded.The purpose of cooperation
Cooperating on language, language teaching and literature can produce considerable benefits. Trends in these fields often make themselves felt in different countries at the same time. Cooperating saves money and effort, boosts the status of Dutch and means not having to reinvent the wheel over and over again. To give just a few examples:- introducing a uniform spelling system
- sharing the task of developing expensive language aids, such as reference works
- pooling expertise and sharing ideas on the teaching of Dutch
- providing in-service training for teachers of Dutch and literary translators
- developing a language policy within the European context
Our mission: putting the language user at the centre
As important as it is to promote a uniform grammar and spelling, it is not the task of the Taalunie to tell language users what is and isn't proper Dutch. The main duty of the Taalunie is to create the necessary conditions for using Dutch as effectively as possible, so that Dutch speakers can get by with it in as many different situations as possible, even abroad. After all, the most important 'clients' of the Taalunie are not the governments of the Netherlands, Flanders and Suriname, but the people who use Dutch to communicate.Our activities
The Taalunie is working on linguistic issues, language policy, education within the Dutch language area and, at university level, education worldwide, literature and language-related cultural issues. If you would like to know more about our projects, you can have a look at the short overview of our present activities and former achievements or you can choose your subject of interest in the menu bar for detailed information.Our bodies and working methods
The Taalunie has four bodies. The Committee of Ministers sets the policy of the Taalunie. The Committee consists of the Flemish and Dutch ministers for education and culture. The Interparliamentary Committee, made up of twenty-two Dutch and Flemish members of parliament, monitors this policy. The advisory body of the Taalunie is the Dutch Language and Literature Council, which has twelve members. The Secretariat General is responsible for preparing and implementing policy. The Secretariat employs approximately twenty-five staff and is headed by a Secretary General. Suriname is involved in all four bodies.The Taalunie is a relatively small organisation. It must therefore depend on other parties - universities, interest groups, councils and committees - to help it prepare and implement its policy. The Taalunie has also set up various committees and platforms that include experts working in the field; these ensure that it can function as a spider in the language web. All Dutch speakers, no matter where they come from, need their language in order to survive on a day-to-day basis.
Below you can see all bodies in our organization chart.
Finances
The Nederlandse Taalunie is financed by the Dutch, Flemish and Suriname governments. Each country's contribution is proportionate to the number of Dutch speakers. In 2004, the Taalunie had a budget of approximately nine million euros. ©
Nederlandse Taalunie, 2000-2014 alle rechten voorbehouden
Wegwijzer – Colofon – Contact – Vrijwaring – Opmerkingen en reacties
Wegwijzer – Colofon – Contact – Vrijwaring – Opmerkingen en reacties
