Microsoft helps languages talk tech

SAN FRANCISCO: Microsoft on Monday took steps to help local languages avoid being lost on the ever-changing computer technology landscape.

The list of languages supported by the newest releases of Windows, Office or Visual Studio software includes Yoruba in Nigeria, Oriya in India, Tatar in Russia, isiZulu in Africa, and Inuktitut in Canada.

A full list of languages was available online at microsoft.com/llp.

The US software giant also released 59 new Language Interface Packs for its latest-generation Windows 7 operating system and soon-to-be-released Office 2010 programs.

"Allowing for people to use and build software in their native language helps emerging markets build a stronger work force," said Microsoft government and education programs senior director Lauren Woodman.

She added that the program "will also help people bridge the language gap and, for the first time, use technology in a meaningful way."

The 95 languages supported through a Local Language Program translate into more than a billion people being able to work with Windows and Office in their native tongues, according to Microsoft.

The firm cited statistics indicating that, on average, one of the more than 7,000 languages in the world dies every two weeks.

Failure of languages to grow with new words for technology trends and innovations can contribute to their downfall.

"Linguistic diversity is under threat," UNESCO director-general director Irina Bokova said in a release. "This loss not only erodes individual communities and cultures, but more broadly, the very makeup of our societies."