The Welsh language took a momentous step forward today (Wednesday) into the field of computer technology as the Welsh Language Board and Microsoft unveiled their Welsh Language Interface Packs for Windows XP and Office 2003.
The joint project means that from now on people who use computers can choose to have their workstations in Welsh, and with IT playing a central part in our daily lives, having Windows XP and Office 2003 in Welsh will have a major impact on increasing the opportunities to use the Welsh language.
Speaking during the launch Meri Huws, Welsh Language Board Chair, said:
"This is without doubt a very important development for the Welsh language and confirms that the language is contemporary, relevant and useful. Having familiar computer programmes such as Word and Outlook available in Welsh will increase the opportunities for people of all ages to use the language in their everyday lives, both at work and at home."
The Welsh Language Interface Packs (LIPs) sees the Welsh language joining other computer languages such as Hindi, Irish and Maori. The Welsh version has been carefully translated using straightforward Welsh words making it easy for people to use. And with all its menus and operations such as 'file' and 'save as' remaining in their standard positions, computer users will have no difficulty swapping over to 'Windows and Office 2003 in Welsh'.
The Welsh LIPs are the result of a fifteen month partnership between the Welsh Language Board and Microsoft, drawing on the expertise of translation professionals Cymen and technology specialists Draig, together with the assistance of Canolfan Bedwyr, University of Wales, Bangor.
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Terry Smith, Senior Director of Public Sector, Microsoft UK said:
"The Welsh Language Interface Packs are excellent news for computer users and underlines Microsoft's commitment to ensure that its software is accessible to all. As IT use continues to grow around the world it is vital that users of all language backgrounds are able to access the benefits of new technology."
The software will be available to download, free of charge, through the Welsh Language Board and Microsoft websites and on CDs from the Welsh language Board.
Welcoming the software, Alun Pugh, Minister for Culture, Welsh Language and Sport added:
"The launch of Windows and Office 2003 in Welsh marks a real milestone for the language and fits in well with the Welsh Assembly Government's vision for a bilingual Wales. I find it very encouraging that at a time of increasing globalisation, a huge multinational company still recognises the importance of supporting diversity in languages and culture. I congratulate the WLB and Microsoft on all their hard work to bring Welsh to our desktops."
ENDS
Notes to Editors
The Welsh LIPs will be available from:
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.
Microsoft partners for this event are: Cymen, Draig, Siemens, Cap Gemini, Distinction, ComputaCentre and Pugh
For further information contact
Meleri Evans 07977 219395 Welsh Language Board Press Officer
Olly Scott 020 7344 1276Edelman London for Microsoft