The ongoing process of informalisation has also had an effect on language use. Joop van der Horst, professor of Dutch Linguistics, talks about the end of the linguistic culture in EuropeĮver since around 1970, the powers that be and structures of authority have been deteriorating. But who listens to elite groups in this day and age? Who can still be considered “high-profile”? Traditionally, elite groups – or “high-profile” communities, as they are referred to now – lead the way when it comes to promoting the norm. Public service broadcasting in Flanders does not wish to set strict language standards, but it does want to disseminate language norms. Rather, it wants to function as a signpost. The Dutch Language Union does not want to act as some kind of police officer. Imposing rules is no longer an option – that is, if that ever was an option. The Dutch Language Union, for instance, aims to eliminate the government’s and the educational system’s linguistic insecurity by offering a norm. Still, there is a distinct need for a norm. The government? The Academy? The Dutch Language Union? In a word: no. Today, it is not quite clear who determines which norms to respect and which rules to adhere to. In 2013, people in Leiden considered the question, ‘Who is in charge of language?’ Asking that question is an answer in itself: nobody.
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