ISO 24623-1:2018

Overview

ISO 24623-1:2018 - Language resource management: Corpus Query Lingua Franca (CQLF) - Part 1: Metamodel - defines an abstract metamodel for classifying and comparing corpus query languages (QLs). It provides a modular, coarse‑grained framework (CQLF classes, levels and modules) to locate any corpus QL within a feature matrix. The document illustrates the model using the Single‑stream class (a single primary data stream) and distinguishes three CQLF levels: Linear, Complex and Concurrent. ISO 24623-1:2018 focuses on classification and interoperability scope rather than prescribing concrete query syntax or covering multi‑stream (multimodal or parallel) query languages in detail.

Key topics and technical requirements

• CQLF metamodel structure: top‑level CQLF classes (Single‑stream, Multi‑stream), nested levels (Linear, Complex, Concurrent) and finer modules that reflect data‑model characteristics.
• Linear level modules: plain‑text handling, segmentation, and simple annotation (tabular annotations).
• Complex level modules: hierarchical annotation (syntactic trees), dependency annotation (dependency relations), and containment relationships (character span containment).
• Concurrent level: addresses multiple, potentially conflicting annotations over the same spans (concurrent annotations, stand‑off techniques).
• Core terminology defined: annotation, stand‑off annotation, character span, token, and primary data.
• Conformance concept: a CQLF implementation is a query language that has been analysed and located in the CQLF matrix; the standard provides criteria for that classification (coarse‑grained, not full serialization rules).
• Normative references: ISO 24611 (MAF), ISO 24612 (LAF), ISO 24615‑1 (SynAF) - used for alignment with existing language resource frameworks.

Applications and who uses it

ISO 24623-1 is practical for:

• Corpus linguists and researchers evaluating or comparing corpus query languages.
• Language technology developers designing QLs, query engines, or annotation tools.
• Data architects and archivists choosing data architectures (single‑stream vs multi‑stream) and ensuring interoperability.
• Project managers deciding on query tools early in projects to avoid costly redesigns later. Practical uses include classifying a QL’s expressivity (e.g., supports hierarchical or dependency queries), guiding tool selection, and informing design decisions for annotation layering and stand‑off annotation strategies.

Related standards

• ISO 24612 - Linguistic Annotation Framework (LAF)
• ISO 24611 - Morpho‑syntactic Annotation Framework (MAF)
• ISO 24615‑1 - Syntactic Annotation Framework (SynAF), Part 1

ISO 24623-1:2018 is a foundation for assessing corpus query language interoperability and for guiding informed choices in corpus query design and implementation.