Who we are

 

The Royal Academy of Dutch Language and Literature is an independent academic and cultural institution that promotes study, reflection, and debate on the Dutch language and literature. It aims to be a driving force for the use of Dutch and an advocate for Dutch-language literature, both past and present.

At the heart of the KANTL is its membership society, which consists of eminent scholars from various Belgian universities, writers of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, publicists, translators, and other language enthusiasts. Within the Academy, they come together outside the framework of conventional institutions and disciplines. The KANTL thus serves as a multidisciplinary platform for the exchange of ideas and reflection on diverse aspects of the Dutch language and literature, with a special focus on linguistic and literary heritage.

This unique position as an independent think tank enables the KANTL to serve as a catalyst for disseminating knowledge and research findings to a broader audience and within the educational sector. KANTL organizes cultural and academic events, facilitates linguistic and literary research, publishes works, awards various prizes, and develops educational initiatives. A special focus of its activities is the promotion of the literary canon. KANTL also has its own digital department, the CTB (Corpora, Text Editions, and Sources).

Finally, KANTL serves as a unique bridge between researchers, writers, policymakers, students, and the general public. It brings together universities, colleges, heritage institutions, literary organizations, and the media around shared goals at the intersection of language, literature, and society.

The KANTL’s operations are supported by the expertise, experience, and work of our (honorary) members, our board, and our team of permanent staff.
 

De compiles a literary canon

Which works have shaped our literary past? Which classics still resonate today? Every five years, the KANTL presents its dynamic “Canon of Dutch-Language Literature,” a carefully curated list of masterpieces and unique works spanning more than 900 years of Dutch-language literature.

De makes digital resources accessible

We make valuable linguistic and literary resources available online to today's researchers, teachers, and readers.

De publishes

The Academy publishes scholarly and essayistic works in the fields of Dutch language and literature, as well as general verbal culture within the Dutch-speaking world.

De awards

Since its founding, the Academy has promoted scientific research in Flanders and literary and cultural life in the Low Countries by awarding prizes.

De shares knowledge

The Academy shares its expertise through lectures by its members, podcasts, literary and linguistic events, and other initiatives that convey scholarly insights to a broad audience in an accessible way.

De brings language and literature into the classroom

With scientifically grounded insights, inspiring teaching materials, and a dynamic approach to the literary canon, the Academy strengthens language and literature education in Flanders.

De connects

Through sustainable partnerships with institutions both in the Netherlands and abroad, and with the support of authors’ societies, KANTL is helping to build a strong network in the fields of language and literature.

De welcomes

We are committed to public participation in culture and science, including through seminars, public lectures, inspirational sessions, language and literary festivals, and other public events.