ISO/IEC 8859-6:1999 PDF

Overview

ISO/IEC 8859-6:1999 - "Information technology - 8-bit single‑byte coded graphic character sets - Part 6: Latin/Arabic alphabet" - defines an 8‑bit single‑byte character set for Latin and Arabic script text processing and information interchange. The part specifies a fixed set of 146 graphic characters intended for general office and data-processing use in languages such as Arabic, English and other Latin‑based languages. It includes basic Latin letters, digits, punctuation, Arabic letters, the tatweel (kashida), combining characters, and spacing controls like NO‑BREAK SPACE and SOFT HYPHEN.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Character repertoire: Specifies 146 coded graphic characters (Latin + Arabic) with unique names and identifiers (based on ISO/IEC 10646 references).
• 8‑bit layout: The character set is an 8‑bit single‑byte code table (16×16 positions) compatible with ISO/IEC 2022 and ISO/IEC 4873 at level 1.
• Combining characters: Some Arabic marks are defined as combining characters; their coded representation follows the base character (see clause 6).
• Control functions: Coded characters may be used with control functions from ISO/IEC 6429, but control functions must not be used to form composite graphic symbols.
• Mutual exclusivity: ISO/IEC 8859‑6 must not be used in conjunction with other parts of ISO/IEC 8859. If multiple parts are required together, use equivalent sets from ISO/IEC 10367 within ISO/IEC 4873 level 2 or 3.
• Conformance rules: The standard defines conformance for CC‑data‑elements, originating and receiving devices (device descriptions, transmission and interpretation requirements).

Practical applications

• Legacy text processing & data interchange: Useful for systems that require an 8‑bit Arabic+Latin encoding (legacy email, printing, embedded systems, archival data).
• Interoperability: Facilitates interchange between office applications and devices that expect a single‑byte Latin/Arabic code.
• Implementation targets: Device manufacturers, font designers, software localizers, embedded/firmware developers, and archivists working with legacy Arabic text encodings.
• Limitations: Not intended for ITU‑T telematic services without additional conformance at the access point.

Related standards

• ISO/IEC 2022 - Character code structure and extension techniques
• ISO/IEC 4873 - 8‑bit code implementation rules (levels 1–3)
• ISO/IEC 6429 - Control functions for coded character sets
• ISO/IEC 10367 - Equivalent coded character sets for multi‑part usage
• ISO/IEC 10646 (Unicode) - character names and identifiers used as references

ISO/IEC 8859‑6 remains relevant for understanding and maintaining legacy Arabic/Latin single‑byte encodings and for migrating older data to Unicode-aware environments.