About the Taalunie
The Taalunie is the international policy organisation for the Dutch language. We work across borders: in the Netherlands, Flanders, Suriname, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten, but also in the rest of the world where the Dutch language and culture are studied.
All countries where Dutch is an official language are involved in the Taalunie. Together, we work on the development, use and dissemination of the Dutch language, both within the language area and beyond.
We operate internationally and in a unifying manner: we bring together governments, the education sector, researchers and cultural organisations, thereby strengthening cooperation around the Dutch language.
What we do
The Taalunie strengthens the position of the Dutch language in all areas of social life. We do this by defining and standardising spelling, grammar, vocabulary and terminology; providing language advice; supporting everyone who is learning Dutch; promoting education in the language and the humanities; promoting Dutch-language literature; digitising Dutch-language literary heritage; making foreign literature accessible in Dutch; and safeguarding the position of Dutch in higher education.
For Dutch, worldwide
Dutch is the mother tongue of more than 25 million people. In addition, millions more use the language in their work, studies or daily lives.
Dutch is learnt and taught all over the world: from Europe to North and South America, from Africa to Asia and Oceania. The language has left its mark on other languages, and Dutch words are used internationally.
The Taalunie supports and strengthens Dutch’s international standing. We collaborate with educational institutions, teachers and organisations worldwide and encourage the exchange of knowledge and cooperation
the mission
The Taalunie is committed to ensuring that Dutch retains a strong position, both now and in the future. We identify developments and challenges relating to the language and draw up policies to address them.
the vision
Language is constantly evolving. New technology, globalisation and social developments are changing the way we use language.
That is why it remains important to focus on the Dutch language. The Taalunie aims to strengthen the Dutch language and culture in all areas of society: from education and culture to social media, from government to supermarkets, amongst older and younger people, amongst long-established residents and newcomers, and amongst those with short and long periods of education.
the role
The Taalunie develops and promotes policy on the Dutch language, in collaboration with public authorities, educational institutions, researchers, cultural organisations and other partners.
We identify trends relating to language, gather knowledge and bring stakeholders together. Together with our partners, we ensure that Dutch is celebrated and used as the beautiful, valuable, useful and rewarding language that it is.