Lang  Language Code

Bytes

Definition

The language of the work. Lang represents the language of the item. The item is the principal work, including legends, accompanying text, singing or spoken text and excluding preface, introduction, foreword and appendixes.

• A single language code may be insufficient to describe the language of an item. If the item is multilingual or a translation, use multiple language codes. Enter the first code in Lang. Enter the multiple codes (including the first code) in field 041 (Language Code).

• Use the predominant language code for a multilingual item that has two to six languages. If predominance cannot be determined, use the code that is first alphabetically. If the multilingual item has more than six languages, use the code for the language of the first title. If the item is multilingual with no predominant language and the cataloging institution has chosen not to specify a language, use code mul.

• Use field 041 if an item is multilingual or a translation or has accompanying material, summaries or tables of contents in another language. See field 041 for more information.

• If the language cannot be determined, use code und (undetermined). If the item is in a language without a code, report the language to your regional network office or OCLC.

• Accurate Lang codes are important because the system ignores initial articles according to the language of the text of the item when indexing corporate names and certain title fields. To identify the language of an item, the system checks the codes in field 041 or, if no 041 is present, in Lang.

• Use field 546 for language notes for all formats.

• If you are inputting a record without examining the item, determine the language code from the title or from a language note.

If a score has no sung or spoken text, use zxx. Use und for vocalises, humming and other texts that are wordless or consist of nonsense syllables.

Code for the language of the data and/or the user interface (e.g., textual displays) not the programming language (BASIC, C+, etc.).

Lang represents the language of the sound track or accompanying sound for projected media. If the item has no sound or has sound but no narration, use the language of the accompanying printed script or printed titles or subtitles. If the item has sound but no narration, printed script or titles or subtitles, use zxx.

Use the code for the predominant language if the sound track or accompanying sound, printed script, titles or subtitles are in more than one language.

Codes