I think it doesn't hurt to get input, but I agree with you and Michael: we need clear evidence that this is a distinct language; at this point, we have multiple sources stating the opposite.

I also agree with Christian: if there is sufficient evidence, we code alpha-3, but we will not code alpha-2. 


Peter


> -----Original Message-----
> From: ISO 639 Joint Advisory Committee [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
> Milicent K Wewerka
> Sent: Tuesday, March 28, 2006 5:37 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: ISO 639 proposal - Mahl - discussion
> 
> I noticed that the original submission listed most of the documents as held in a library
> in the Maldives.  That is interesting.  The name of the library director was given.
> Would it be worthwhile to consult with him to determine whether the library views
> these documents as written in a different language?
> 
> The first document source, the Central Institute of Indian Languages, apparently
> considers Mahl to be a dialect of Divehi, since the submitter had to indicate that he
> did not agree with this information.  The Institute is an Indian governmental agency,
> which would seem to indicate that the government of India does not recognize a
> separate Mahl language.
> 
> Unless there is VERY strong evidence that this is a separate language, I think it should
> be considered a dialect of Divehi.
> 
> Milicent Wewerka, Library of Congress
> 
> 
> >>> [log in to unmask] 03/28/06 3:22 AM >>>
> Forwarded message from the original submitter.
> 
> Håvard
> 
> ________________________________
> 
> From: Iyaaz J Naseem [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Tuesday, March 28, 2006 7:30 AM
> To: Håvard Hjulstad
> Subject: Re: ISO 639 proposal - Mahl - discussion
> 
> 
> Greetings,
> 
> Though Mahl was listed as a variant name for Maldivian before, Mahl is a separate
> language linguistically and politically. So we as native speakers request to both alpha-
> 2 and alpha-3 identifier for Mahl.
> 
> And since our language Mahl has got no codes yet, we face a lot of difficulties
> especially in the field of IT.
> 
> If the proposed alpha-3 identifier "mah" is not available, You can decide an identifier.
> I suggest "mhl" as alpha-3 identifier. And The alpha-2 identifier would be "ma" since it
> is available as you have mentioned below.
> 
> ===========
> Iyaaz J Naseem
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On 3/24/06, Håvard Hjulstad <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> 
> 	Dear JAC members,
> 
> 	We have received the proposal to include both alpha-2 and alpha-3 identifier
> for Mahl. Please see the original proposal below.
> 
> 	Ethnologue and ISO 639-3 lists Mahl as a variant name for Maldivian (identifier
> "div").
> 
> 	The Linguasphere Registry lists "mahl" as a variant name for "dhivehi" (59-
> ABA-aa) (= "Maldivian").
> 
> 	As to identifiers: The alpha-2 "ma" is available, in case we should decide to
> include Mahl in the alpha-2 table. The proposed alpha-3 identifier "mah" is not
> available. There are in fact very few free identifiers starting with m, and no obvious
> one at all. If we want to assign an identifier starting with m, I suggest "muf" (simply
> because all better choices are already taken).
> 
> 	Discussion please (until 14 April).
> 
> 	Best regards,
> 	Håvard Hjulstad
> 
> 	(PS: This message has been copied to the proposer for information. He will not
> be able to submit to the email list. Should he wish to add any information, he may do
> so directly to me, and I shall forward it to the list.)
> 
> 
> 	*************** ORIGINAL SUBMISSION **********
> 
> 	Regarding documents in the Mahl language. And the name of the institution
> and the number of documents at each.
> 
> 	1. in Central Institute of Indian Langguages (has atleast 3 documents).
> 	(please refer)
> 	--> http://www.ciil.org/publication/All%20Publications/Video.htm
> <http://www.ciil.org/publication/All%20Publications/Video.htm>
> 	--> http://www.ciil.org/Prog05-06/Prog05-06.htm
> <http://www.ciil.org/Prog05-06/Prog05-06.htm>
> 
> 	2. Mahl Unit Press Minicoy (Text books in Mahl for I to IV standards) Number of
> Documents N/A
> 	(please refer)
> 	---> http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/press/unit_presses.htm
> <http://lakshadweep.nic.in/depts/press/unit_presses.htm>
> 
> 	3. Inaa-ee Library, Feridhoo, North Ari Atoll, MALDIVES (has 39 Text Books, 1
> daily news paper, 17 Essay books, 2 poetry books and 1 book on religion)
> 	----> email: Inaa-ee Library < [log in to unmask]
> <mailto:[log in to unmask]> > of the Director, Mr. Saud Abdel
> Kareem.
> 
> 	4. Bada Village Library, Minicoy, Lakshadweep, INDIA (Text books and
> newspapers) Number of Documents N/A
> 
> 	Correction:
> 
> 	=============
> 
> 	lang_in_eng = Mahl
> 
> 	lang_in_fre =
> 
> 	ref_where_found_1 = http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahl_language
> <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahl_language>
> 
> 	lang_in_vern = Maliku bas
> 
> 	ref_where_found_2 = http://www.mathaaran.net
> <http://www.mathaaran.net/>
> 
> 	trans_lit =
> 
> 	evidence = Central Institute of Indian Langguages
> 
> 	addinfo = 300,000 in Minicoy, India and Maldives incorrect.
> 
> 	addinfo = 9495 in Minicoy island, Lakshadweep, INDIA. (Correct)
> 
> 	request_addition = ISO 639-1 and ISO 639-2
> 
> 	2_code_suggestion = ma
> 
> 	3_code_suggestion = mah
> 
> 	submit_name = Iyaaz J Naseem
> 
> 	submit_email = [log in to unmask]
> 
> 	submit_status = Native speaker of the language