KILINUX LOCALIZATION PROJECT: STATUS AND PROSPECTS

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KILINUX LOCALIZATION PROJECT STATUS AND PROSPECTS
Prof. Iddi S.N. Mkilaha, Dr. Hashim M.
Twaakyondo, Jimmy T. Mbelwa Abdulla Ally
KiLinux Project Department of Computer
Science University of Dar es Salaam Dar es
Salaam, TANZANIA E-mail mkilaha_at_udsm.ac.tz,
htwaaky_at_cs.udsm.ac.tz
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BACKGROUND

• Use of Open Source software came as a result of
  mere interest to a group of individuals at the
  University of Dar es Salaam
• Merits of the Open Source software necessitated
  the extend use

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• Exploration of wider applications of such
  software
• Thinking of wider communities with minimum
  educational level (can speak, read and write only
  local languages and Swahili)

Localization of Linux Software in to Kiswahili
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• Started as a students project ? limited time and
  resources ? Development of a proposal for the
  localization project (Kiswahili Linux
  Localization or KiLinux)
• Secured support from
• The University of Dar es Salaam
• SIDA

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• Kilinux officiated in April 2004 and the
  Localization work started
• Involved were
• Technical team
• Linguistic team
• Technical expert

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THE LOCALIZATION

• Software selection ? Linux applications like
  OpenOffice, Mozzila,
• Extract strings ? Are the terms available in
  Swahili?
• Translation of the strings ? is the language rich
  enough?
• Insert strings ? Are the strings consistent?

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• Create localized code ? Fitting the glossary
• Revision on localized code ? Are there problems
  with the localized terms
• Publicize the Localization ? Are the communities
  aware?
• Maintain the Localized code ? Are there any new
  updates?

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SECRET BEHIND IS

• Team work and hard work!!

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ACHIEVEMENTS

• Developed a Swahili IT Glossary and Dictionary
• Localized the OpenOffice ? Jambo Open Office
  1.1.3.g demonstrations of which can be shown if
  time allows
• Developed the Spell Checker

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WHAT NEXT 2nd phase

• Disseminate the Localized software collective
  efforts and resources needed
• Continue with the localization of the Mozzila
  Firefox Web Browser
• Support the use of the localized software in
  schools, communities and else where

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1. Lahajedwali
DEMONSTRATIONS
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2. Jambo Wasilisho
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3. Jambo Andiko HTML (web page)
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EXPECTED FINAL DELIVERABLES

• Localization Methodology Document and Training
  Materials
• ICT Glossary, Dictionary and Kiswahili Online
  resources
• Localized Open Office Version 2 and Mozilla/Fire
  Fox
• Software and ICT Terminology dissemination

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

• SIDA for the interest and support on the project
• Our collaborating team of experts both local and
  foreign
• Dr. Alberto and his colleagues for the extended
  technical support
• The Regional e-Government Framework Stakeholders
  Consultative Meeting Organizers for recognizing
  our project and invitation to participate.

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Thank you