Language technology support for all languages in core digital systems
An effort to document the (lack of) support for most of the languages of the world in all major digital systems.
Content
Open Language status pages
- basics: language codes, fonts, keyboards
- proofing tools
- speech technology, including digital assistants
- localisation
- indexing and search
- packaging and distribution of language support
- Android phones
Colour coding of status
| Colour | Description |
|---|---|
| Red | unaccessible for independent 3rd parties |
| Yellow | partially accessible for independent 3rd parties |
| Green | fully accessible for independent 3rd parties |
| Gray | accessibility status unknown |
Links to documentation is provided if available/found.
Background
- 7000+ languages in the world
vs
- 500+ languages supported by GBoard (600+ languages/900+ locales as of Sep 2024)
- 200+ locales in Windows
- 50+ system & TTS languages in macOS
- 20 dictation and Siri languages in macOS & iOS
That is, MOST languages of the world has no support whatsoever. And for those with support, the more advanced language technology, the fewer are supported.
More importantly, no-one can add their own language to e.g. Siri, or as proofing language in Office 365 on the web. The same goes for Google Docs, and almost all web-based applications.
The core of the present state is that our languages are owned by the tech giants, not by the language communities anymore, since most language communities have no way of controlling when and how their language is available or used in the digital sphere.
Technology exists for building language technology tools for most technology areas and most languages, but making those tools available on the systems people use is a very different matter. This site aims to document all areas where human languages matter on digital platforms, and whether that area is open for community access or control.
Stories from users and societies
Background stories about real problems caused by lack of LT support («language blocks»):
- Icelandic - «Icelandic language battles threat of ‘digital extinction’»
- Kildin Sámi - the lost letters