Configuring secondary languages

Secondary language environments

Some multilingual environments have more than one national language version installed. To have a single system support multiple languages, you must have the associated hardware installed. You must also have sufficient disk storage space available to contain all of the system and application textual data for the secondary languages. The amount of disk storage space that is required varies by language and application, but it is typically somewhere in the range of 50 to 300 MB.

The languages currently supported on IBM i as either primary or secondary languages can be found in National Language Version (NLV) feature codes. Listed are the national language versions, their feature codes, and the program libraries from which they are available.

Each of the national language versions available from the program library (primary or secondary) include cultural- and language-dependent system values for that particular language. Date format, date and time separators, code page and character set, and keyboard types are examples. The system values are initially set to the cultural values of the primary language. By setting up a subsystem, however, you can ensure that the cultural values for the secondary languages are set properly for users of the secondary languages.

Applications can use language values that are available in message CPX8416, in file QCPFMSG, accessed using the library list. Message CPX8416 gives the correct values for the primary or secondary language, depending on the library list.

Except for logical partitioning (LPAR), when you use a multilingual environment, the primary language version and any secondary languages must be at the same release level. You must also order and install the correct devices (workstation controllers, display stations, and printers) to support your languages.