LiNT

LiNT provides an estimate of text difficulty based on a readability study in which text features are linked to levels of text comprehension. The LiNT tool helps writers, writing coaches and communication consultants to assess the comprehensibility of texts.

LiNT is an abbreviation of ‘Leesbaarheidsinstrument voor Nederlandse Teksten’ (translation: ‘Readability Instrument for Dutch Texts’). LiNT was originally developed as a demonstration product resulting from the NWO project ‘Toward a validated reading level tool for Dutch’, which ran from 2012 to 2017. The project was part of the NWO’s Understandable Language and Effective Communication program. LiNT uses the tool T-Scan for analyzing your text. But where T-scan is primary intended for research, LiNT offers a much more accessible interface.

The Digital Humanities Lab is currently developing LiNT for use by Dutch and Flemish civil servants. The tool provides feedback on how readable texts are, and what aspects or sentences in the text cause particular difficulty. Adapting the tool for a non-academic audience, the DHLab primarily works on user friendliness.