Reference number
ISO 639-6:2009
ISO 639-6:2009
Codes for the representation of names of languages — Part 6: Alpha-4 code for comprehensive coverage of language variants
Edition 1
2009-12
Withdrawn
ISO 639-6:2009
43380
Withdrawn (Edition 1, 2009)

Abstract

ISO 639-6:2009 specifies a method for establishing four-letter language identifiers (alpha-4) and language reference names for language variants and a hierarchical framework for relating them to languages, language families and language groups. The alpha-4 language identifiers have been developed for use in a wide range of applications, especially in computer systems, where there is a potential need to cover the entire range of languages, language families and language groups as well as language variants within each identified language. Alpha-4 language identifiers can support the quantity of known language variants and accommodate any future expansion.

ISO 639-6:2009 provides a hierarchical framework, which facilitates backward compatibility with other ISO 639 codes, based on linguistic and/or geolinguistic relationships, within which a comprehensive enumeration of language variants is possible, including living, extinct, ancient and constructed languages, whether major or minor. As a result, ISO 639-6:2009 caters for a very large number of languages and their variants. ISO 639-6:2009 is not applicable to the registrations for languages designed exclusively for machine use, such as computer-programming languages and reconstructed languages.

General information

  •  : Withdrawn
     : 2009-12
    : Withdrawal of International Standard [95.99]
  •  : 1
     : 16
  • ISO/TC 37/SC 2
    01.140.20 
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