[A12n-forum] FYI: "Microsoft translates software into African languages"

["Don Osborn" <dzo@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The following item from a recent Sunday Times - S. Africa (seen on the ILAT
list) may be of interest.  There is also of course an opensource
localization effort at http://translate.org.za that has been ongoing for a
while.

Don Osborn
Bisharat.net


"Microsoft translates software into African languages"
http://www.sundaytimes.co.za/2003/09/28/business/technology/tech10.asp

Futhi Ntshingila

A software tool that will help computer programs to be translated into six
African languages has been developed by Microsoft.

Zulu and Afrikaans programs are ready for demonstration after three months
of work by six members of Microsoft's technical team. The other languages in
development are Setswana, Xhosa, Swahili and Sepedi.

The software makes it easier for people speaking indigenous languages to get
to grips with technology.

"During the last decade, we have seen the impact of technology in building
South Africa into a socioeconomic leader in Africa. We believe there are no
limits to the potential South Africans can reach if equipped with the
information and communication tools in their language of choice," said
Gordon Frazer, managing director of Microsoft South Africa.

Khetsi Lehoko, deputy director-general in the national Education Department,
said the development was appreciated particularly because computers were
tools of learning. "It will contribute to the overall development of
indigenous languages and raise their status," he said.

Moss Gondwe, Microsoft's director for the public sector, said: "We struggled
with terminology, like what to call the Internet in Zulu. Months of the year
in Zulu would be difficult for urban kids to understand. We haven't
finalised the terminology yet but we are looking to the public to make
suggestions."

He said the idea started when they looked at certain European countries that
used indigenous languages.

"We looked at France - people there can go into Windows and they are able to
communicate in their own language. We thought it was imperative that we also
develop local languages in order to address the population's communication
needs," said Gondwe.

Government departments and academics at universities were also consulted
during the translation.

"We couldn't develop local languages on our own. We had to involve the
Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology and the Department of
Communications. Potchefstroom University was very helpful with Afrikaans
terminology," said Gondwe.