SIST ISO 12620:2019

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 12620
Third edition
2019-05
Management of terminology
resources — Data category
specifications
Gestion des ressources terminologiques — Spécifications des
catégories de données
Reference number
©
ISO 2019
© ISO 2019
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Fax: +41 22 749 09 47
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Data categories and data category specifications . 3
5 Data category repositories . 4
6 Requirements for data category specifications . 4
7 Requirements for documenting data categories. 5
7.1 Identifiers and names . 5
7.1.1 Data category specifications . 5
7.1.2 A unique and stable mnemonic identifier . 5
7.1.3 A unique and persistent identifier (PID) . 5
7.1.4 A unique canonical data category name . 5
7.1.5 Language-specific data category names . 6
7.2 Conceptual domains and data category types . 6
7.3 Data elementarity . 7
7.4 Subsetting . 7
8 Requirements for a data category repository . 7
9 Referencing data categories . 7
10 Harmonizing and vetting data categories . 8
11 Management . 9
Annex A (informative) The DatCatInfo Data Category Repository .10
Bibliography .13
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following
URL: www .iso .org/iso/foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 37, Language and terminology,
Subcommittee SC 3, Management of terminology resources.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 12620:2009), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows.
ISO 12620:2009, Terminology and other language and content resources — Specification of data
categories and management of a Data Category Registry for language resources, described a data model
and management features for a Data Category Registry designed for the purpose of standardizing
data category specifications. The current edition of ISO 12620 has been streamlined to eliminate the
standardization function previously built into the data model. It describes requirements for maintaining
a consensus-based, industry-appropriate repository of harmonized data category specifications for use
in language resources.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/members .html.
iv © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

Introduction
Data associated with language resources are identified, collected, managed and stored in a wide variety
of environments. Data appearing in language resources are generalized into classes that are referred to
as data categories. Differences in approach for developing different kinds of language resources as well
as differences in technical environments inevitably lead to variations in data category definitions and
data category names. The use of uniform data category names and definitions employed in resources
within the same linguistic domain (for example, among terminological resources, lexicographical
resources, annotated text corpora, etc.) contributes to system coherence and enhances the re-
usability of data. Such uniform use requires access to formal data category specifications. Defining a
clear framework for specifying, managing and using data categories will increase interoperability of
language resources.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 12620:2019(E)
Management of terminology resources — Data category
specifications
1 Scope
This document provides guidelines and requirements governing data category specifications for
language resources. It specifies mechanisms for creating, documenting, harmonizing and maintaining
data category specifications in a data category repository. It also describes the structure and content of
data category specifications. The intended audience of this document is researchers and practitioners
in fields of language resource management who use data categories and data category specifications.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 24619, Language resource management — Persistent identification and sustainable access (PISA)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https: //www .iso .org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http: //www .electropedia .org/
3.1
conceptual domain
permissible content of a data category (3.2)
EXAMPLE In a terminology database, the data category /part of speech/ could have a conceptual domain
consisting of the values: /noun/, /verb/, /adjective/, /adverb/.
Note 1 to entry: The permissible content can be enumerated (such as in a pick list), as in the example, or subject to
formal restrictions such as dates, or free text such as the conceptual domain of /definition/. Although the latter
type is not formally restricted, it is nevertheless subject to adherence to the requirements of its data category
specification, i.e., it contains a true definition and not a note, example, or some other piece of information.
3.1.1
open conceptual domain
conceptual domain (3.1) that has no formal restrictions
Note 1 to entry: An open conceptual domain is frequently associated with data categories that take free text as
their content, such as /definition/.
Note 2 to entry: Some requirements are not machine processable, for instance, to require that /definition/ only
contain definitional information.
3.1.2
closed conceptual domain
conceptual domain (3.1) that is restricted to a set of enumerated values
EXAMPLE The data category /grammatical gender/ can have a conceptual domain consisting of the values
/feminine/, /masculine/ and /neuter/.
3.1.3
constrained conceptual domain
conceptual domain (3.1) that is restricted to a constraint or rule specified in a schema-specific language
EXAMPLE The data category /date/ can be constrained by a system setting to certain date formats, or a
data category can be subject to a termbase-specific rule, such as making it mandatory to enter a /source/ for a
/definition/.
3.1.4
simple conceptual domain
conceptual domain (3.1) that has only two values
Note 1 to entry: The two values can be "yes" or "no", "true" or "false", or other such binary representation.
3.2
data category
DC
class of data items that are closely related from a formal or semantic point of view
EXAMPLE /part of speech/, /subject field/, /definition/.
Note 1 to entry: A data category can be viewed as a generalization of the notion of a field in a database.
Note 2 to entry: In running text, such as in this document, data category names are enclosed in forward slashes
(e.g. /part of speech/).
[SOURCE: ISO 30042:2019, 3.8]
3.2.1
open data category
data category (3.2) that has an open conceptual domain (3.1.1)
3.2.2
closed data category
data category (3.2) that has a closed conceptual domain (3.1.2)
3.2.3
constrained data category
data category (3.2) that has a constrained conceptual domain (3.1.3)
3.2.4
simple data category
data category (3.2) that has a simple conceptual domain (3.1.4)
Note 1 to entry: See also pick list value (3.9).
3.3
data category concept
semantic content of a data category (3.2), independent of any specific implementations
3.4
data category name
linguistic representation of a data category (3.2) as it appears in a particular language or in a particular
application or language resource
EXAMPLE The data category name for /part of speech/ is "part of speech" in English, and "partie du
discours" in French.
2 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

3.5
data category repository
DCR
digital repository of data category specifications (3.7)
Note 1 to entry: Data category repositories are used as references when specifying language resources.
Note 2 to entry: A DCR for language resources is available at www .datcatinfo .net.
3.6
data
...

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 12620
Third edition
2019-05
Management of terminology
resources — Data category
specifications
Gestion des ressources terminologiques — Spécifications des
catégories de données
Reference number
©
ISO 2019
© ISO 2019
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Fax: +41 22 749 09 47
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Data categories and data category specifications . 3
5 Data category repositories . 4
6 Requirements for data category specifications . 4
7 Requirements for documenting data categories. 5
7.1 Identifiers and names . 5
7.1.1 Data category specifications . 5
7.1.2 A unique and stable mnemonic identifier . 5
7.1.3 A unique and persistent identifier (PID) . 5
7.1.4 A unique canonical data category name . 5
7.1.5 Language-specific data category names . 6
7.2 Conceptual domains and data category types . 6
7.3 Data elementarity . 7
7.4 Subsetting . 7
8 Requirements for a data category repository . 7
9 Referencing data categories . 7
10 Harmonizing and vetting data categories . 8
11 Management . 9
Annex A (informative) The DatCatInfo Data Category Repository .10
Bibliography .13
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following
URL: www .iso .org/iso/foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 37, Language and terminology,
Subcommittee SC 3, Management of terminology resources.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 12620:2009), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows.
ISO 12620:2009, Terminology and other language and content resources — Specification of data
categories and management of a Data Category Registry for language resources, described a data model
and management features for a Data Category Registry designed for the purpose of standardizing
data category specifications. The current edition of ISO 12620 has been streamlined to eliminate the
standardization function previously built into the data model. It describes requirements for maintaining
a consensus-based, industry-appropriate repository of harmonized data category specifications for use
in language resources.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/members .html.
iv © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

Introduction
Data associated with language resources are identified, collected, managed and stored in a wide variety
of environments. Data appearing in language resources are generalized into classes that are referred to
as data categories. Differences in approach for developing different kinds of language resources as well
as differences in technical environments inevitably lead to variations in data category definitions and
data category names. The use of uniform data category names and definitions employed in resources
within the same linguistic domain (for example, among terminological resources, lexicographical
resources, annotated text corpora, etc.) contributes to system coherence and enhances the re-
usability of data. Such uniform use requires access to formal data category specifications. Defining a
clear framework for specifying, managing and using data categories will increase interoperability of
language resources.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 12620:2019(E)
Management of terminology resources — Data category
specifications
1 Scope
This document provides guidelines and requirements governing data category specifications for
language resources. It specifies mechanisms for creating, documenting, harmonizing and maintaining
data category specifications in a data category repository. It also describes the structure and content of
data category specifications. The intended audience of this document is researchers and practitioners
in fields of language resource management who use data categories and data category specifications.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 24619, Language resource management — Persistent identification and sustainable access (PISA)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https: //www .iso .org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http: //www .electropedia .org/
3.1
conceptual domain
permissible content of a data category (3.2)
EXAMPLE In a terminology database, the data category /part of speech/ could have a conceptual domain
consisting of the values: /noun/, /verb/, /adjective/, /adverb/.
Note 1 to entry: The permissible content can be enumerated (such as in a pick list), as in the example, or subject to
formal restrictions such as dates, or free text such as the conceptual domain of /definition/. Although the latter
type is not formally restricted, it is nevertheless subject to adherence to the requirements of its data category
specification, i.e., it contains a true definition and not a note, example, or some other piece of information.
3.1.1
open conceptual domain
conceptual domain (3.1) that has no formal restrictions
Note 1 to entry: An open conceptual domain is frequently associated with data categories that take free text as
their content, such as /definition/.
Note 2 to entry: Some requirements are not machine processable, for instance, to require that /definition/ only
contain definitional information.
3.1.2
closed conceptual domain
conceptual domain (3.1) that is restricted to a set of enumerated values
EXAMPLE The data category /grammatical gender/ can have a conceptual domain consisting of the values
/feminine/, /masculine/ and /neuter/.
3.1.3
constrained conceptual domain
conceptual domain (3.1) that is restricted to a constraint or rule specified in a schema-specific language
EXAMPLE The data category /date/ can be constrained by a system setting to certain date formats, or a
data category can be subject to a termbase-specific rule, such as making it mandatory to enter a /source/ for a
/definition/.
3.1.4
simple conceptual domain
conceptual domain (3.1) that has only two values
Note 1 to entry: The two values can be "yes" or "no", "true" or "false", or other such binary representation.
3.2
data category
DC
class of data items that are closely related from a formal or semantic point of view
EXAMPLE /part of speech/, /subject field/, /definition/.
Note 1 to entry: A data category can be viewed as a generalization of the notion of a field in a database.
Note 2 to entry: In running text, such as in this document, data category names are enclosed in forward slashes
(e.g. /part of speech/).
[SOURCE: ISO 30042:2019, 3.8]
3.2.1
open data category
data category (3.2) that has an open conceptual domain (3.1.1)
3.2.2
closed data category
data category (3.2) that has a closed conceptual domain (3.1.2)
3.2.3
constrained data category
data category (3.2) that has a constrained conceptual domain (3.1.3)
3.2.4
simple data category
data category (3.2) that has a simple conceptual domain (3.1.4)
Note 1 to entry: See also pick list value (3.9).
3.3
data category concept
semantic content of a data category (3.2), independent of any specific implementations
3.4
data category name
linguistic representation of a data category (3.2) as it appears in a particular language or in a particular
application or language resource
EXAMPLE The data category name for /part of speech/ is "part of speech" in English, and "partie du
discours" in French.
2 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

3.5
data category repository
DCR
digital repository of data category specifications (3.7)
Note 1 to entry: Data category repositories are used as references when specifying language resources.
Note 2 to entry: A DCR for language resources is available at www .datcatinfo .net.
3.6
data
...