On the International Mother Language Day, a day designated by UNESCO to celebrate the linguistic diversity of 6,000 languages spoken around the world, Microsoft announced support in several new languages for Windows 7 and Office 2010.
Microsoft champions the preservation of unique languages trough their Local Language Program and they are making their products available to even more users in their native languages. “There are roughly 6,000 languages spoken globally, and half of those are projected to be in danger of being lost forever over the next century,” explained Lauren Woodman, Microsoft General Manager, Partners in Learning.
Windows 7 and Office 2010 now have the support for Dari (Afghanistan), Mongolian (Cyrillic – Mongolia), Turkmen (Turkmenistan) and Valencian (Spain). In addition to the these languages, Office 2010 is also made available in Maltese (Malta).
“With these additions, Microsoft Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010 are now available in nearly 96 languages, 60 of which are through the Local Language Program,” This program not only helps us to preserve local languages and cultures, but also helps in finding new ways to create economic opportunities and build IT skills. Through the LLP, we strive to help ensure that the identity of communities continues to thrive worldwide,“ Woodman said.
Woodman added that LPP is also working with Visual Studio to enable technology access in many languages, including new support for Czech, Polish, Turkish, Brazilian Portuguese, Greek, Hungarian, Malay and Thai.
Woodman wrote about the significant role that technology has in changing the way people and companies around the world share and use information and the importance of people having access to the technology. „Through joint efforts by Microsoft Unlimited Potential, governments, universities, local language experts and NGOs, we’re working to reach all those currently underserved.“ For more information read the post on Microsoft Unlimited Potential Blog.
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