Language code NN

Guide for use:

The classification used in this metadata item is a modified two-digit level version of the ABS classification: Australian Standard Classification of Languages (ASCL).

CODE 07     Australian Indigenous languages, not elsewhere classified

All Australian Indigenous languages not shown separately on the code list are to be coded to 07.

CODE 96     Inadequately described

This code should be used where some information, but insufficient, is provided.

CODE 97     Non verbal, so described (including sign languages e.g. Auslan, Makaton)

All non-verbal means of communication, including sign languages, are to be coded to 97.

CODE 98     Not stated

This code is to be used when no information is provided.

Comments:

The ABS has developed a detailed four-digit language classification of 193 language units which was used in the 1996 Census. Although it is preferable to use the classification at a four-digit level, the requirements of administrative collections have been recognised and the ABS has developed a classification of 86 languages at a two-digit level from those most frequently spoken in Australia. Mapping of this two-digit running code system to the four-digit ASCL is available from ABS. The classification used in this metadata item is a modified version of the two-digit level ABS classification. The National Health Data Committee (NHDC) considered that the grouping of languages by geographic region was not useful in administrative settings. Thus this metadata item includes an alphabetical listing of the 86 languages from the ABS two-digit level classification with only one code for Other languages, not further defined. By removing the geographic groupings from the classification, information about the broad geographic region of languages that are not specifically coded is lost. However, the NHDC considered that the benefits to data collectors gained from simplifying the code listing outweighed this disadvantage.