What is ISO 11684:2018?

ISO 11684:2018, also known as "Information and documentation - Romanization of Chinese" is an international standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This standard provides guidelines on how to romanize Chinese characters, which are commonly used in various information and documentation systems.

The Importance of Romanization

Romanization plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between different cultures and languages. It allows non-Chinese speakers to read and pronounce Chinese words accurately. It is particularly important in areas such as international trade, tourism, academic research, and language learning. Without a standardized romanization system, communication between Chinese and non-Chinese speakers would be challenging and inefficient.

The Evolution of ISO 11684

ISO 11684:2018 is the latest revision of the standard, with its first edition published in 1995. This revision incorporates feedback from experts and users worldwide, aiming to improve the clarity, consistency, and compatibility of romanized Chinese. Over the years, several changes have been made to the standard to address the challenges and complexities associated with romanization.

Main Features of ISO 11684:2018

The standard covers a comprehensive set of guidelines for romanizing Chinese characters based on the Pinyin system, which is the most widely recognized romanization system for Mandarin Chinese. It provides detailed rules for representing Chinese tones, diacritical marks, and special characters. The standard also includes examples, tables, and additional guidance to ensure consistent and accurate romanization.

One significant feature of ISO 11684:2018 is its consideration for different variants of the Chinese language, such as Cantonese and Hokkien. It provides specific rules and recommendations for romanizing these variants, taking into account their distinctive phonological characteristics. This inclusiveness promotes better communication and understanding of various Chinese languages and dialects worldwide.

In conclusion, ISO 11684:2018 is an essential standard that contributes to the effective communication and dissemination of information in Chinese. Its guidelines for romanization enable non-Chinese speakers to read and pronounce Chinese characters accurately. As globalization continues to connect different cultures, the use of a standardized romanization system becomes increasingly important in bridging language barriers.