One, two and four-digit codes are assigned to the first, second and third-level units of the classification respectively. The first digit identifies the Broad Group in which each Language or Narrow Group is contained. The first two digits taken together identify the Narrow Group in which each Language is contained. The four-digit codes represent each of the 193 Language or third-level units.
The language profile of Australia is likely to change over time because of factors such as changing migration patterns. From time to time, it may be necessary to add Languages to, or delete Languages from, those currently separately identified in the classification, as the number of speakers of particular languages in Australia changes.
If a language needs to be added to (separately identified in) the classification structure, it will be allocated the next available four-digit code, in the numerical sequence of codes, of the Narrow Group to which it is being added. The Languages of each Narrow Group are in alphabetical order (with the exception of the nec categories). This ordering is not strictly necessary and may need to be disrupted in the event that new units are added.
The ASCL code scheme is devised so that any future changes to the classification structure are easily accommodated. However, in order that the classification remain a standard, users should not make changes to the structure. Users should contact the ABS and identify any apparent problems they encounter in the course of implementation, data collection, or data analysis.
Reserved codes for residual categories
In Narrow Groups, a four-digit code, consisting of the two digits of the Narrow Group code, followed by the digits 99, is reserved as a residual nec or 'other' category. All languages which are not separately identified in the classification are notionally included in the residual nec or 'other' category of the Narrow Group to which they relate. The classification currently has 29 residual categories at the base level where ABS experience indicates they are required.
In each Broad Group, codes are also reserved for residual categories at the Narrow Group level. These codes consist of the Broad Group code followed by 9. These categories are termed 'Other' and consist of separately identified Languages which do not fit into any of the Narrow Groups contained within the Broad Group, on the basis of the classification criteria. The classification contains five such residual categories.
It should be noted that residual categories are part of the ASCL structure and should not be created or used merely to 'dump' responses containing insufficient data to code to a separately identified category of the classification (see: Supplementary codes, and Coding rules).
Supplementary codes
Supplementary codes are used to process inadequately described responses in statistical collections. The codes are of two types:
- four-digit codes ending with two or three zeros; and
- four-digit codes commencing with three zeros.
Codes ending in zero are described as 'not further defined' (nfd) codes and are used to code responses to a question about language which cannot be coded to the detailed (Language) level of the classification but which can be coded to a higher level of the classification structure.
For example, responses which cannot be identified as relating directly to a particular base-level Language category, but which are known to be within the range of languages relating to a particular Narrow Group, are coded to that Narrow group. Such responses are allocated an nfd code consisting of the two-digit code of the Narrow Group followed by 00. For instance, the response 'Chinese' does not contain sufficient information to be coded directly to any particular Language category, but it can be coded to Narrow Group 71: Chinese, which encompasses all Chinese languages. It is thus allocated the code 7100: Chinese, nfd.
Similarly, responses which do not contain sufficient information to be related directly to a particular Language category, or to a Narrow Group, but which are known to be within the range of languages relating to a particular Broad Group, are coded to that Broad Group. Such responses are allocated an nfd code consisting of the one-digit code of the Broad Group followed by 000. For instance, the response 'Indian' does not contain sufficient information to be related directly to a Language category or to a Narrow Group, but it can be coded to Broad Group 5: Southern Asian Languages, which encompasses all languages spoken in India, as well as a number of other languages. It is therefore allocated the code 5000: Southern Asian Languages, nfd. Thus, language responses which are only codable at the Broad or Narrow Group levels of the classification can be processed within a collection coded at the four-digit (base or Language) level.
Four-digit codes commencing with 000 are supplementary codes included for operational purposes to facilitate the coding of responses such as inadequately described languages, etc., which present particular problems in that they cannot be allocated a Language, Narrow Group or Broad Group code.
It should be noted that supplementary codes are not part of the classification structure. They exist for operational reasons only, and no data would be coded to them if sufficiently detailed responses were obtained in all instances. (See: Appendix 2 for a full list of Supplementary codes.)
Coding index
Responses provided in statistical and administrative collections do not always comprise the words used as the official names of the classification categories. A coding index is therefore necessary to act as a link between responses and the classification, enabling responses to be coded accurately and quickly to the appropriate category of the classification.
The Coding Index has been developed to assist in the implementation and use of the classification and should be used when coding responses to questions relating to First Language Spoken, Language Spoken at Home, Language of Greatest Competency, etc. The Coding Index has been devised by reference to existing literature in the field; consultation with language experts, government and private organisations with language knowledge and expertise, and ethnic and community groups; and by analysis of existing ABS data. It thus includes responses actually obtained in ABS statistical collections. It contains a comprehensive list of the most probable responses to questions relating to language and their correct classification codes. (See: Appendixes 3 and 4 for the Coding Indexes sorted in alphabetical and numerical (code) order respectively.)
The base-level units of the classification are languages as described above (see: Definition of language). As well as the relevant recognised language and its official name, many of the Language categories also cover dialects and regional varieties of that language not separately identified in the classification. In addition to its coding function, the numerical index can therefore be used to clarify the nature, extent and varietal content of each Language category. For example, Occitan and Walloon appear in the index with the same classification code as the Language category French.
Coding rules
When coding responses in statistical or administrative collections, the following rules should be applied:
- Responses which match exactly with an entry in the coding index are assigned the code allocated to that index entry.
- Responses which relate directly to a Language category are coded to that Language category. Such instances include responses which are an exact match with the Language category title except in terms of alternative spelling, the use of abbreviations, or the use of foreign or idiosyncratic words, etc., and responses which match the title in terms of the fundamental or basic words of the title and differ only in terms of qualifying or extraneous words.
- Responses which relate directly to a Language category because they describe a variety, dialect or geographic variation of that language, for which a separate base unit has not been established in the classification, are coded directly to that Language category.
- Responses which cannot be identified as relating to a separately identified Language in the classification are assigned a residual category code, or a supplementary code as described above (see: Reserved codes for residual categories, and Supplementary codes). A response should only be coded to a residual category if it is clear that it belongs in that category. Responses which are not precise enough to be coded to any category should be assigned the appropriate supplementary code.
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