A Language Interface Pack (LIP) for all versions of Microsoft Office 2010 is now available to download free of charge, thanks to collaboration between Microsoft and the Welsh Language Board.
The new Welsh LIP, paid for entirely by Microsoft, is even more suitable for Welsh learners or people needing more confidence using the language. With a Welsh language interface installed on a computer, the user can ‘hover’ over any element they don’t understand and receive an instant English translation.
Publishing the Welsh LIP for Office 2010, Derrick McCourt Regional Director, Microsoft Scotland & Wales commented,
“Microsoft’s Local Language Program is a worldwide initiative that provides interfaces for minority languages to popular Microsoft products in everyday use such as Windows and Office. In partnership with governments, universities, and local language experts, we are committed to supporting our software in as many languages as possible.”
The Welsh LIP for Office 2010 now delivers our productivity software, including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint with a Welsh language interface and enhances previous versions by providing a simultaneous English translation when users hover the cursor over any of the menu or navigation options. This makes it especially useful in education where children may be more proficient in Welsh than their parents.
Meri Huws, Chair of the Welsh Language Board, said:
“I’m delighted to endorse Microsoft’s latest Welsh language development. The fact that Microsoft is continuously investing in bringing their Welsh language services up to date is proof of the relevance of the language to modern life. I have no doubt that the new Welsh LIP for Office 2010 will receive a warm welcome from schools, colleges, workplaces and homes all over Wales.”
Alun Ffred Jones, the Minister for Heritage at the Welsh Assembly Government, said:
“I would like to congratulate Microsoft for once again leading the way in Welsh language technology developments. The Welsh LIP is a useful tool for anyone who wants to use Welsh on their computers, or who want to build their confidence to use more Welsh in their everyday lives.”
Notes for Editors
Within the scope of the partnership announced today, a free Welsh Language Interface Pack (LIP) has been produced for Microsoft Office 2010
The free LIP for Office 2010 translates a substantial portion of the user interface of the following programs: Office 2010
This Language Interface Pack follows previous work done as part of the Partnership between the Welsh Language Board and Microsoft, which produced free Welsh Language Interface Packs for Microsoft Office 2003 & 2007 and Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Microsoft SharePoint Services.
All work undertaken as part of this project is fully funded by Microsoft. The translation work is undertaken by the Cymen translation company of Caernarfon and project managed and quality assured by the Welsh Language Board
See www.byig-wlb.org.uk/technology for more information about the Board’s work with language technology and how you can use computers in Welsh today
For more information regarding Microsoft Office 2010, see: http://office.microsoft.com/en-gb/
For more information and to download the free Welsh LIP for Office 2010 see:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=cfec65b7-131c-440f-953f-43731fdabb8b&displaylang=cy
About the Welsh Language Board
The Welsh Language Board is a statutory organisation, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government. It was established in December 1993 under the terms of the Welsh Language Act. Its main function is to promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language.
The members are appointed by the Minister for Heritage of the Welsh Assembly Government, and the Board has a staff of over 70. Under the Government of Wales Act 1998, the Board became answerable to the National Assembly, having previously been accountable to, and funded by The Welsh Office.
Put simply, the Board’s main aim is to make it easier for everyone to use Welsh in all walks of life, to increase people’s confidence in their ability to use the language, to encourage more people to speak, read or write it in new situations, and to pass on the language to their children.
The Board seeks to work in partnership with public sector bodies, private businesses and voluntary organisations, offering advice and resources to help service providers in to give a natural choice of language. More information regarding our strategic priorities and all our work, on technology and other matters is available on our website, www.byig-wlb.org.uk