ISO Language Codes

ISO 639-1:2002
Codes for the representation of names of languages -- Part 1: Alpha-2 code

Infoterm has been designated the Registration Authority (ISO 639-1/RA) for the language alpha-2 language code contained in ISO 639-1:2002 "Codes for the representation of names of languages - Part 1: Alpha-2 code / Codes pour la représentation des noms de langue - Partie 1 : Code alpha-2".

ISO 639-2:1998
Codes for the representation of names of languages -- Part 2: Alpha-3 code

The Library of Congress (LoC) has been designated the Registration Authority (ISO 639-2/RA) for the purpose of processing requests for alpha-3 language codes contained in ISO 639-2:1998 "Codes for the representation of names of languages - Part 2: Alpha-3 code / Codes pour la représentation des noms de langue - Partie 2 : Code alpha-3”.

ISO 639/RAs-JAC

LoC hosts the Website of the Joint Advisory Committee of the two Registration Authorities (ISO 639/RAs-JAC) ISO 639 Joint Advisory Committee. Here one finds

• Criteria for requesting new language codes
• Request form for additions to language codes
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• The up-to-date bilingual list of ISO 639-1 and ISO 639-2 Codes
• Browse or Search the ISO Language Codes

that helps you understand more about the ISO language codes.

In 2004, the two RAs appointed as secretary of the Joint Advisory Committee (ISO 639/RAs-JAC) Mr. Håvard Hjulstad, who maintains the register of language identifiers and processes requests for additions to the list of language identifiers. He also maintains an accurate list of information associated with registered language identifiers and updates of registered language codes: ISO 639 Code list (Library of Congress).

Mr. Hjulstad is also the Convenor of ISO/TC 37/SC 2/WG 1 "Coding systems".