Op weg naar een geschreven eenheidstaal

Towards a uniform written Dutch: The elimination of dialect features by Gheraert Leeu, printer in Gouda and Antwerp This study discusses the influence printing press on gradual rise standard Dutch basis language used selection incunables, printed one pioneers early printing. Leeu was active (Holland) from 1477 until 1484, but moved 1484 to city (Brabant), where he continued his activity sudden death 1492. In three books five originating Antwerp, we determined degree dialecticity, classified variants according their origin, interpreted variation found between regional non-regional discussed diachronic evolution. We that both Hollandic Brabantish were increasingly replaced equivalents. By rapidly diminishing amount language, contributed transition dialectal Late Middle more supraregional Early New Dutch, which reflected around 1500. So traditional view is based 17th century, should be revised: tendency towards uniformity already noticeable at end 15th century among printers Holland, who striving for order enlarge sales market books. case famous shows prosperous played leading role development language.