Synopsis

Values:Any valid language name

Default:Operating system dependent

Establishes the default language for the database. This language is used for messages, day and month names, symbols for AD, BC, AM, and PM, and the default sorting mechanism. For example:

NLS_LANGUAGE = AMERICAN

Other supported languages include FRENCH, SPANISH, and JAPANESE. This parameter determines the default values of the parameters NLS_DATE_LANGUAGE and NLS_SORT. For a complete list of languages, see the Oracle Server Reference Manual and the server Release Notes.