Nyelvkódok

Nyelvkódok, often translated as language codes, are standardized abbreviations used to identify and represent specific languages. These codes are essential for various applications, including data processing, multilingual software, and international communication. The most widely recognized system for language codes is ISO 639, developed by the International Organization for Standardization.

ISO 639 is divided into several parts, each addressing different aspects of language identification. ISO 639-1 provides two-letter codes (e.g., "en" for English, "fr" for French), which are commonly used in web pages and software interfaces for their conciseness. ISO 639-2 offers three-letter codes, distinguishing between bibliographic (terminological) and general usage codes. For instance, "eng" is the general code for English, while "ger" might be used bibliographically for German. ISO 639-3 extends this to three-letter codes that cover all known languages, including individual dialects where they are linguistically distinct.

Beyond ISO 639, other systems exist, such as IETF BCP 47, which is a more complex standard used in internet protocols and applications. BCP 47 combines language tags with region and script information (e.g., "en-US" for American English, "fr-CA" for Canadian French). The use of language codes ensures clarity and consistency when dealing with texts and data in multiple languages, preventing ambiguity and facilitating interoperability across different systems and platforms. They are fundamental to the organization and retrieval of linguistic information globally.