[1] The CL definition permits and encourages the development of a variety of different syntactic forms, called dialects.
A dialect may use any desired syntax, but it must be possible to demonstrate precisely how the concrete syntax of a dialect conforms to the abstract CL semantics, which are based on a model theoretic interpretation.
In addition, all CL dialects are comparable (i.e., can be automatically translated to a common language), although some may be more expressive than others.
The ISO standard's development began in June 2003 under Working Group 2 (Metadata) of Sub-Committee 32 (Data Interchange) under ISO/IEC JTC 1, and was completed in October 2007.
A technical corrigendum, correcting some errors in the original standard, is being prepared at the time being.