Hello Charlie, Thanks for your note. I'm forwarding it to our OpenOffice localization mailing list, which is where we discuss translations and other aspects of software localization.
Personally, I think this is a great idea. It fits well with the traditions of the OpenOffice project, which include strong support for linguistic and cultural diversity. What is the current state of translation for Tetun/Tetum for other open source applications? For example, do you have a Firefox translation already? It sometimes can help to have a team work together on translation, and cover several programs at the same time, since some resources, like spell checking dictionaries can be shared. >From the OpenOffice perspective, localization considerations include: 1) Develop a glossary of common terminology related to the application and the user interface. This helps ensure consistency. 2) Translate the user interface 3) In-product localization, for things like calendar systems, counting conventions for numbered lists, etc. 4) Creating a spell checking dictionary 5) Translation of help files As you see, this is a big effort, but it can be very rewarding. Are you able to find other volunteers in Timor-Leste to help with the translation? Having a group of 3 or 4 volunteers would make this a more manageable task. >From the perspective of the Apache OpenOffice project, we can help in several ways: 1) Provide mailing list and wiki for volunteers to coordinate on 2) Provide expertise for understanding tools and process for translation 3) Integrate completed translations into OpenOffice 4) Include translated OpenOffice in our releases and in our distribution network 5) Help promote the translation effort, via blog, perhaps press interviews, help spread awareness. Regards, -Rob ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Charlie Sanders <cvsand...@gmail.com> Date: Wed, Nov 28, 2012 at 1:34 AM Subject: Open Office as a resource for Timor-Leste native language (Tetun/Tetum) speakers? To: dev@openoffice.apache.org Hi there (boatardi), Timor-Leste is the newest nation in our galaxy (as far as we know), and, as a 'fragile state', access to free and reliable resources is really important. Most of the tech world still doesn't recognise Timor-Leste as existing (my iPhone's version of Google Maps, for instance, has no record of the capital city, Dili). Having worked at the only technical college in the country, I can say that very few people reach tertiary education, and, when they do, there are almost no Timor-based resources available for students to use. Schools cannot afford many copies of MS programmes, and are using out-of-date copies of everything (not to mention the regular nation-wide blackouts and enormous computers!), which slows down the education and administrative process. Additionally, the major native language of Timor-Leste is endangered - the Dutch colonisation introduced Portuguese across the country, and the 1975 Indonesian invasion and brutal 25-year occupation has left many young Timorese people resorting to Bahasa Indonesia as a common language. Without a Timorese influence in schools (for education) and government (for employment), within ten years, the Timorese will probably not have a native language. So... Wouldn't it be great if we could provide a version of the Open Office website in the native language of Timor-Leste - Tetun/Tetum? And wouldn't it be great if there was a Tetun/Tetum language dictionary for Open Office, so that Timorese people could write documents in their own language and possibly retain some knowlege of this ancient spoken language in written form, to spread throughout their communities and reinforce the notion that Tetun/Tetum is a viable and valuable/valued choice? I have the language resources and the energy to begin working on this project. It is up to you guys to decide if you are willing to take on this important task and help Timor-Leste retain its culture and educate its people while gaining a valuable technical resource. Thank you (obrigada)! Ms Charlie Sanders Australia/Timor-Leste
