Lang:  Language Code

Record Type

BIB

Bytes

ALL: 008/35-37

Definition

Lang represents the predominant language of the resource.

When only one language is associated with a resource, the code for that language is recorded unless the resource does not contain linguistic content, the language cannot be determined, there is no attempt to code the language, or no information is provided.

When a language code is recorded in Lang, it should have a comparable value to the first code recorded in field 041 subfield ǂa or field 041 subfield ǂd of the first occurrence of field 041. If the first occurrence of field 041 does not contain MARC language codes, the MARC language code recorded in Lang should have a comparable value (e.g., an equivalent code or a collective code) to the first code in subfield ǂa or ǂd of the first occurrence of field 041.

Use the predominant language code for a multilingual resource. If predominance cannot be determined, use the code that is first alphabetically. Alternatively, use code mul if the cataloging institution has chosen not to specify a language.

Lang can be used along with field 041, field 377, and field 546.

Three fill characters may be used if no attempt is made to code the language.

Language code based on the predominant text content of the resource.

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

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

Lang coding depends on the type of material.

• For moving image materials, the language content is defined as the sound track, the accompanying sound, or sign language. For moving image materials with no sound or sign language content or if with sound and without narration, use zxx. Do not code Lang based solely on the container or packaging.
• For filmstrips and slides, code for the text on the film, the accompanying sound, or the accompanying printed script (for works with no sound or if with sound and without narration).
• For all other still images, including original or historical graphic material and opaque and non-opaque graphic material, and three-dimensional materials, the language content is that associated with the material, i.e., captions or other text associated with the item or collection that are part of the chief source of information.

Codes

Indexing

For indexing and searching information, see Searching WorldCat Indexes, Field 008.

MARC 21

For more information, including content designator history, see MARC 21 Format for Bibliographic Data, 008/35-37 (All Materials).