ISO 639-1-2002 pdf download.Codes for the representation of names of languages – Part 1: Alpha-2 code.
This part of ISO 639 provides a code consisting of language code elements comprising two-letter language identifiers for the representation of names of languages. The language identifiers according to this part of ISO 639 were devised originally for use in terminology. lexicography and linguistics, but may be adopted for any application requiring the expression of language in two-letter coded form, especially in computerized systems. The alpha-2 code was devised for practical use for most of the major languages of the world that are not only most frequently represented in the total body of the wodd’s literature, but which also comprise a considerable volume of specialized languages and terminologies. Additional language identifiers are created when it becomes apparent that a significant body of documentation written in specialized languages and terminologies exists. Languages designed exclusively for machine use, such as computer-programming languages. are not included in this code.
2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of this part of ISO 639. For dated references. subsequent amendments to, or revisions of. any of these publications do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on this part of ISO 639 are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of the normative documents indicated below. For undated references, the latest edition of the normative document referred to applies. Members of ISO and IEC maintain registers of currently valid International Standards.
ISO 3166-1:1997, Codes for the representation of names of countries and their subdivisions — Part 1: Country codes
ISO 3166-2:1998. Codes for the representation of names of countries and their subdivisions — Part 2: Country subdivision code
ISO 3166-3:1999. Codes for the representation of names of countries and their subdivisions — Part 3: Code for formerly used names of countries
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this part of ISO 639, the following terms and definitions apply code data transformed or represented in different forms according to a pre-established set of rules
3.2 code element individual entry in a code
NOTE In the language code in this part of ISO 639. each code element consists of a language identifier and the names of the language.
3.3 language Identifier language symbol information which indicates the name of a language
4.1 Form of the language identifier
The language identifiers consist of the following 26 letters of the Latin alphabet in lower case: a, b, C, d,e,f,g,h,ij,k,I, m,n,o,p,q,r,s,t, u, v, w,x, y, z. No diacritical marks or modified characters are used.Implementors should be aware that these identifiers are not intended to be an abbreviation for the language, but to serve as a device to identify a given language. The language identifiers are derived from the language name. Each identifier is based on the indigenous name of the language or the preference of the communities using the language.
To ensure continuity and stability, language identifiers shall only be changed for compelling reasons After a change in identifiers, the previous identifier shall not be reassigned for at least ten years. and only after careful consideration and approval by the Joint Advisory Committee (see annex A).
When adapting this International Standard to languages using other writing systems (e.g. the Cyrilic alphabet), language identifiers shall be formed according to the principles of this part of ISO 639.
A single language identifier is normally provided for a language even though the language is written in more than one script. A separate standard may be developed for the purpose of designating information concerning the script or writing system of a language.
4.2 Registration for new language identifiers
Everyone is free to apply for or propose a language to be coded in ISO 639-1. Each application or proposal shall be accompanied by the following:
a) documentation relevant to the scope of ISO 639-1 (dause 1 of this part of ISO 639):
b) a recommendation and support of an authority (standards organization, governmental body, linguistic institution, or cultural organization).
The selection of a code element for inclusion in the two-letter code is primarily based on the existence of a substantial body of documentation written in specialized languages as well as of a number of terminologies in various subject fields.ISO 639-1 pdf download.