RE: Multi-language data in a database

Over here in Belgium we have to store certain data in at least 2 languages. Therefore we always store the descriptions in separate tables that also contain a language code. In function of the language code of the user of the application (stored in an environment variable) we retrieve the description of the item in the language of the user. For the clients stored in the database, we also store always the language code in the client record. When we make invoices, ... the data is always retrieved and printed in the language of the client. Hope this helps. Doris Willaert E-mail : doris.willaert@suzuki.be -----Original Message----- From: Jan Hawn [mailto:jhawn@compuserve.com] Sent: dinsdag 7 september 1999 15:12 To: informix-list@iiug.org Subject: Multi-language data in a database I need to design a table or system of tables that can present an eglish language version of information along with a native language version of the same information. For example: I have a "thing" about which I want to know something. It has a name. I need to be able to present the english version of the name and a particular native language version of the name (in this case Hungarian but it could be others). This thing also has numeric values and codes associated with it that are the same regardless of language. In the development stage of the data the english language version will be important but later the native language will be most important. Every table in the database has to follow the same constraints. Without the language issue I have a primary table with 2 dependent tables each with a dependent table and approximately 10 lookup tables. I have considered duplicate fields (one english language, one native) for those fields that require some translation, but wonder it there might not be a better way. Thanks, JAH