Codes for the
Representation of Names
of Languages-Part 2:
Alpha-3 Code
Annex A
Procedures for the Registration Authority and
Registration Authorities Advisory Committee ISO 639
A.1 Registration Authority ISO 639-2/RA
The Library of Congress (LC) has been designated the Registration Authority
for this part of ISO 639(ISO 639-2/RA). It is responsible for registering
alpha-3 language codes according to these procedures.
A.2 Responsibilities of the Registration Authority
A.2.1 Application for the registration of new and for the change of
existing language codes.
ISO 639-2/RA shall receive and review application for the registration of
new language codes and for the change of existing ones. It shall suggest
an assignment of a code when the relevant criteria are met according to
the rules given in A.3.3 and A.3.4, and inform the applicant of the result
of ISO 639-2/RA actions. Such criteria shall include a request by one agency
with 50 documents in the language or a request by five agencies with a total
of 50 documents among them in the language.
A.2.2 Maintenance of list
The ISO 639-2/RA shall maintain an accurate list of information associated
with registered language codes. If necessary, it shall safeguard any confidential
information. It shall process updates of registered language codes and distribute
them on a regular basis to subscribers and other parties.
A.2.3 Other general responsibilities
ISO 639-2/RA shall do the following:
- Handle all aspects of the registration process in accordance with
good business practice.
- Indicate in operations that it has been designated as ISO 639-2/RA
by ISO.
- Provide an annual summary report on activity to the ISO/TC37 and ISO/TC46
Secretariats.
- Provide advice on implementation and use of this part of ISO 639,
as needed.
A.3 Joint Advisory Committee ISO 639/RA-JAC
A Joint Advisory Committee ISO 639/RA-JAC is established to advise both
the ISO 639-1/RA Registration Authority and the ISO 639-2/RA Registration
Authority. It shall guide the application of the coding rules as laid down
in ISO 639-1 and this part of ISO 639, respectively.
A.3.1 Composition
ISO 639/RA-JAC is composed of:
- One representative of the International Information Centre for Terminology
(Infoterm; representing ISO 639-1/RA)
- One representative of Library of Congress (LC; representing ISO 639-2/RA)
- Three representatives of ISO/TC37 (nominated by ISO/TC37)
- Three representatives of ISO/TC46 (nominated by ISO/TC46)
Both ISO/TCs may nominate substitute representatives.
A.3.1.1 Membership
Both TCs may nominate substitute representatives. The representatives of
INFOTERM and the Library of Congress will hold the chair on a 2-year rotating
basis. Up to five technical experts may be asked to participate as non-voting
observers. The observers will be entitled to receive documents sent to the
RA-JAC membership and expected to provide comments in return.
A.3.2 Working procedures within ISO 639/RA-JAC
ISO 639/RA-JAC will work primarily by correspondence and exceptionally by
meeting. If a meeting is necessary, it shall preferably be held in conjunction
with plenary meetings of ISO/TC 37 and ISO/TC 37/SC 2 or ISO/TC 46 and ISO/TC
46/SC 4.
A.3.3 Additions and deletions to the list of entities, changes of codes
Requests for additions, deletions, and changes of codes shall be supported
by a justification. When ISO 639-2/RA consults ISO 639/RA-JAC about the
proposed inclusion, deletion or change, and suggests a code, ISO 639/RA-JAC
is obliged to respond within one month. Simultaneously ISO 639-1/RA will
be informed and asked for comments.
A.3.4 Reservation of codes
When a request for inclusion of a new entity has been rejected, ISO 639-2/RA
may reserve the requested code for the use of the applicant and other possible
users. ISO 639-2/RA will keep a record of such reservations and will inform
the ISO 639-1/RA of such.
A.3.5 Creation of language codes
The creation of language codes is subject to the rules described in ISO
639-1: -*), 4.1 and 4.1 of this part of ISO 639.
A.3.6 Voting procedures
Each member of ISO 639/RA-JAC has one vote (voting is obligatory). Voting
is conducted by writing (letter, telex, telefax) or in a meeting. Voting
by telephone must be confirmed by writing. Failure to reply is considered
as an abstention.
A vote must be unanimous for it to pass. If an unanimous vote cannot
be reached, a second vote will be conducted. The letter ballot is to be
accompanied by all comments received. At least five positive votes are
required to pass.
It is necessary for any amendments to this part of ISO 639 to be approved
following the voting rules before revisions are published.
*)To be published.
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