Multilingual Domain Name FAQ

Can you give me an overview about the multilingual domain name ?
Sure. As of November 10, 2001 you are no longer limited to English-language character domains when creating your Web identity. Now anyone can create domain names (Web addresses) in Korean, Japanese, traditional and simplified Chinese characters.

Multilingual domain name registration is available to you as part of our affiliated registrar's participation in a testbed being conducted by the Global Registry. The testbed permits certified registrars (approximately 20 companies worldwide) to submit multilingual domain names to the Registry in a manner similar to the current system of registering English-language domain names.

When functional, the name you create will work just like any English-character name in that you can enter it into your browser and be taken to the corresponding Web site. The native language domain name will be followed by .com, Net or .org (for example: )

Initially, your name will be reserved (parked) until sometime in the future when the Global Registry is able to match your new name with the Web site's location, also known as name resolution.
Top

Why do I want a domain name in non-English characters?
There are many people just beginning to use the Internet, or more likely to use it if there were less of a language barrier. For many of these people, they would prefer the ability to enter a domain name in their native language. Creating a presence by using a domain name in your audience's native language makes your site easier for them to access and provides a more positive online experience. Also, it may be to your advantage to protect your English-language brand from being registered by someone else in other available languages and character sets.
Top

Will my domain name work anywhere in the world?
Yes. Your domain will work just like any other domain name as soon as the Registry enables name resolution. However, you may need to update your browser in order to accommodate the new characters in your language. For most browsers, this update is free. See the question below regarding how to update your browser. Please note: currently some older systems and networks might experience problems recognizing multilingual domain names.
Top

If I currently have an English-language domain name is it protected in other non-English languages and characters?
No. The name must be registered in each non-English character set if you wish to protect it.
Top

Are separate registrations necessary for registering a domain name in multiple languages?
Yes. Each language has a unique encoding type and therefore a unique domain name. Each language requires its own registration process within the language you select. For example, you cannot register Korean language domain names using the Japanese language process. You must register domain names in one specific language at a time.
Top

Why is .com/Net/.org not translated in my web address?
The multilingual testbed uses this same English-language structure to offer web addresses in non-English languages. The system used to manage basic Internet functions around the world is still based on these English-language top-level names.
Top

Do I need to know the non-English language characters for the version of my domain name I intend to create?
Yes. You will need to know the specific characters in the native language you wish to register the domain name.
Top

Where can I get help translating my English-language domain name?
If you need help translating or entering your desired domain name, we offer several translation dictionaries in Korean, Japanese, traditional and simplified Chinese languages.
Top

My language's character set isn't in the list. When will it be available?
There are plans to add more languages in the near future. As soon as these languages are added to the Internet systems, our affiliated registrar will add them to our list. After the original launch of Korean, Japanese and traditional and simplified Chinese, the next languages to be offered will be Portuguese, Spanish and Arabic.
Top

How do I search for, register and display domain names using characters from other languages?
In order for your computer and Internet browser to recognize non-English language characters, they must be compatible in the language you are attempting to use. Your computer and browser must be able to display and enter non-English language characters to complete this registration process.

You have the option of either using a computer with an in-language operating system and special keyboard (or other input device), or software capable of creating the in-language characters with the US-version of the operating system (and a standard keyboard).

Most browsers today are capable of displaying in non-English characters with the correct fonts and scripts. If your computer does not recognize non-English language characters, try the following:

If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer browser: Visit the Microsoft Windows Update site at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/

If you are using the Netscape Navigator or Communicator browser: Visit the Netscape Information for International Users site at
http://home.netscape.com/menu/intl/
Top

Why can't I find my name in the WHOIS database?
Initially, WHOIS cannot be searched using non-English characters. The WHOIS database will be updated at a later date to recognize the non-English language characters. Until that time, your name will appear in WHOIS by its RACE-encoded name and you can only search for non-English domain names using RACE encoding language.
Top

How long until my domain name works?
It has been reported that domain name resolution will begin about a few months after the availability of the new names. Once the Global Registry enables domain name resolution, and after you've successfully modified your account with your DNS information, it will take up to 48 hours to have your domain name working worldwide.
Top

What will people see if they try to visit my Web site using my new name at this time?
Since there is no name resolution yet, if someone tried entering your name in their browser, they would see the 404-error message (the site could not be found). This will happen until the resolution process begins. Don't be concerned; you are still the legal account holder of the domain name during this period. However, it is important to understand that multilingual domain names are being registered on a "test" basis. Circumstances could arise that may affect your multilingual domain name registration.
Top

How do I change my account information?
Once you have an account and your new name is registered, you can use "Manage Your Domain" to change information.
Top

How do I change my DNS settings?
Initially, your name will have default DNS settings. You can change the settings any time (using Manage Your Domain) after completing the registration process, but the information will not be used until such time as the Global Registry enables domain name resolution.
Top

Is e-mail available using non-English language characters?
No. Under the current system, you will not be able to establish an e-mail account based on non-English language characters. The domain name service is separate from e-mail and unfortunately, the systems that handle e-mail are not able to recognize or support non-English language characters at this time.
Top