EN
The article diagnoses changes in the theory of information-retrieval languages (or: indexing languages), resulted from a dynamic development of Internet and knowledge organization (as a research field within information science). Regarding continuous increase of natural language’s share in information retrieval, this diagnosis justifies a question concerning future of information-retrieval languages (IRL). Answering this, the author underlines the need of a new IRL definition, considering also the role of natural language in information retrieval processes. After analysis of selected Polish and foreign IRL definitions, the author presents his own proposal.