What’s ‘Hi’ in IsiZulu?

A very enterprising African non-profit is attempting to modify various software packages for the hundreds of languages present on the enormous continent. The teams focus their efforts on applications available on Open Source platforms for the flexibility of code modification. Most recently, Mozilla was localized to Luganda for users in Uganda and is now in beta testing stages. Once the browser is complete many citizens of Uganda with access to an Internet Service Provider and the new Mozilla will be able to happily spend a few hours surfing with navigation in their native language.

They aren’t just limited to basic office software either, they’re also branching into literature with the first Project Gutenberg book in Afrikaans. If you’re not interested in Open Office in Zulu but do want to know what ‘cup of coffee’ looks like in Setswana, they have a bunch of spell checkers available for download on Sourceforge.

The project is pro bono, no fiscal reward for the group whose blood, sweat and coding hands go into the project. Surprisingly though, their list of backers include at least one big ‘we make printers and recently took over Compaq’ name. Put a check mark next to the growing list of small firms determined to make our docs and slide presentations a bit more comfortable for all.

Translate Project
PC World’s guide to Open Source.