I agree with Peter here. I thought that "Yi" referred to a language
group. When we're talking about a language group the rule about using the
vernacular form as a basis for the code is often not applicable. We need
to be clear about whether this is the individual language or the group.
Rebecca
On Fri, 28 Jun 2002, Peter Constable wrote:
> If a code is to be added for an individual Yi language rather than
> something that encompasses all of them, then I would be in favour of that.
> I have no strong opinion as to the particular sequence of letters since I
> believe that, in the long run, worrying about mnemonicity for language
> codes is rather a lost cause -- it will never be "right".
>
> But if a code is added for an individual language but is documented only as
> "Yi", I think that would be of concern since it will lead people to think
> it is intended for any Yi language. Whether intended or not, it will be,
> effectively, a collection. Use "nos" or "yii" or "xyz" or whatever, but if
> it is intended to represent just the language Nuosu, then document it as
> "Nuosu" or "Nuosu (Yi)" or "Nuosu Yi" or "Yi, Nuosu" or "Yi (Nuosu)".
>
> On the other hand, if a code is added that is intended to denote any Yi
> variety, then by all means "nos" does not make sense, and by all means
> document it as "Yi languages".
>
>
>
> - Peter
>
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Peter Constable
>
> Non-Roman Script Initiative, SIL International
> 7500 W. Camp Wisdom Rd., Dallas, TX 75236, USA
> Tel: +1 972 708 7485
> E-mail: <[log in to unmask]>
>
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