macrolanguage

Macrolanguage is a term used in language coding schemes, particularly ISO 639-3, to refer to a single language name that covers a set of closely related languages or varieties. In this system, a macrolanguage code represents the umbrella language, while individual languages within it may have their own distinct codes. The macrolanguage concept is used to balance broad reference with precise data representation across multilingual contexts.

Use and purpose: Macrolanguages are used in metadata, cataloging, and digital localization to group related linguistic varieties under one label while still allowing separate coding for data collected on specific varieties. This enables researchers and libraries to refer to a broad language entity when appropriate, and to handle, under separate codes, the varieties that are treated as distinct languages in practice.

Examples: The Chinese macrolanguage zh covers Mandarin, Cantonese, Wu, and other Chinese languages. Arabic is another commonly cited example in which regional varieties are grouped under a macrolanguage.

Notes: The macrolanguage status is a coding convention rather than a linguistic classification. It reflects practical needs in data management and does not imply that all varieties are mutually intelligible. The set of languages included in a macrolanguage can change as standards evolve.