The National Archives Catalog

Language

 
Mandatory Repeatable Data Type Authority Level Available A/V Only Public Element
Yes* Yes Variable Character Length (60) Language List Series
File Unit
Item
No Yes

*Language is mandatory at the Series Level only.

Definition: The language of the archival materials.

 

Purpose: Informs users if the archival materials are in English or a language other than English, so the user may determine if a translation would be needed.

 

Relationship: This element is independent.

 

Guidance:

Choose the appropriate language of the archival materials from the Language Authority List. The Language Authority List is based on the MARC Language Code List.

Use this element when all or a portion of the archival materials is in a language, and even when there is no linguistic content. If there is no linguistic content, please choose "No Linguistic Content" as the Language access point.

When the records are written in English, "English" must be entered. There is no implied language. If the archival materials are in both English and one or more other languages, place both or multiple languages in this element. Although it is not required, it is best practice to explain this further in the  Scope and Content Note or another note field where relevant.

 

Examples:
German

 

Dutch

 

Portuguese

 

Algonquian (Other)

 



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