Welcome to the international Dewey Translation Wiki!

The Dewey Decimal Classification system (DDC) is used in many countries around the world. Translations of the DDC exist in more than 30 languages. Current translations are maintained in a DDC translation software and published from there to local WebDewey applications, or become printed versions, or both.

Each language version has its own historical background, workflows are different, and even the focus of usage of a language version may differ from country to country.

What all language versions have in common:

They all originate from the English version of the DDC, which is continously being updated by the Dewey editors at OCLC.

They all have to deal with the same translation tasks when it comes to DDC-specific vocabulary, terminological consistency, or the translation of cultural differences.

They all represent the same classification system.

What you can find here:

The centerfold of this wiki page is a collection of editorial guidelines for the translation of the Dewey Decimal Classification system (DDC).

Users are invited to use this wiki as a reference and checklist on questions that may arise prior to or during the translation process.

Users are welcome to leave comments, add examples from their local translations, or share any other information that may be of interest to the international Dewey translation community.