Localization

Localizing a complex application like OpenOffice.org is much more than just translating the user interface.

The Danish community has for years been working on several strings: We must of cause keep up with translating the application. Right now we are in a working on translation of version 3.2. We have more than 73.000 strings at the moment. We would very much like to get the manuals from OOoAuthers translated too. Unfortunately we haven't been able to keep up with versions lately.

Language tools are very important to our development. A few years ago we took a big step against an improved spelling dictionary and we are still working on that. The thesaurus was released about one year ago and right now we are working on getting a more academic approach thus we are trying to get an existing research project from University of Copenhagen implemented as the future thesaurus in OpenOffice.org. The idea is to implement what is already existing instead of developing it our selves. That way we can concentrate on the important thing like initiate new improving projects.

The latest news is, that a few guys in the community has succeded to create a Danish prof of concept of the LanguageTool: Grammar checker!



We are looking forward to see the results of this work. At this moment we are talking about a testimplementation with only a few grammar rules. But it looks great so far!

Translating OpenOffice.org extensions

One very important feature in OpenOffice.org is the ability to extend the functionality of the program with extensions. Most public extensions can be found in the official extension repository here: http://extensions.services.openoffice.org/.

It is very important for the community, that as many extensions as possible are localized or translated into as many languages as possible. There is a tool for translation in the form of an extension. You can find it here: http://extensions.services.openoffice.org/project/extension-translator. When you have installed this extension, you can translate all other extensions that you have installed. You just have to remember to return the translated file to the original developer.

I though find this a little too technical.

I tried to find another way that makes it more easy for the end user to submit a translation. I own an extension called Lorem Ipsum Generator. You can find it here: http://extensions.services.openoffice.org/project/Lorem_ipsum_generator. And I would very much like it to be translated into more languages. I have created a Form on Google Docs, where you can fill in the translated strings and then submit it directly to me. You can find the form here: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=cEhWWTVMUmRFdmpSR0NtQjVEM1FTUGc6MA..

The extension Lorem Ipsum Generator is so far in English, Danish and Italian. Please provide me with more translations.