Computer Keyboard With Nigerian Languages Invented (fwd)

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Computer Keyboard With Nigerian Languages Invented

January 23, 2006
By Onwuka Nzeshi
Abuja
http://allafrica.com/stories/200601230731.html

   Nigeria has recorded another major achievement in Information
Technology (IT), with the invention of a customised keyboard that
provides the option of writing in Nigerian languages.

  The equipment, which is known as Konyin keyboard, was developed in
Nigeria by Lancor Technologies, with the sole aim of promoting Nigerian
languages through integration into the global information super-highway.

   The new technology has the ability to create words in three major
Nigerian languages, namely Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba.

   It is a facility with hardware and software that uses 63 alphanumeric
keys with four shift Keys.

  The two unique "Shift" keys are called Shift 2. The new technology
represents a significant step in allowing languages with more than 26
alphabets to use a single keyboard layout for easy and direct access
typing.

  For instance, an average African country like Nigeria encompasses more
than 10 languages and when one combines all the unique alphabets needed
to cover these languages, you may need more than 26 alphabets, but
Konyin keyboard has made it possible to have one keyboard with a single
layout that accommodates character - sets for many combined languages.

  At the formal presentation to National Information and Technology
Development (NITDA) in Abuja, Lancor Technologies Chief Operating
Officer, Mr George Van-Lare, said the language of a nation is an
important element in defining the character and identity of that
nation.

  "This is the reason why many countries ensured that computers in use
in their countries provide the option of writing and using their native
languages."

  Van-Lare said the use of language in the electronic format provides a
great variety of application to move the language forward, prepare
studies, preserve originality of the thought process and ensure
development and availability of the language to a broad spectrum of
users worldwide.

  "Nigerian names over the years have not been spelt correctly. This
way, it begins to diminish in content and application. The reason is
that there has been no convenient medium to allow Nigerians using the
electronic format address their names and language on a computer," He
said,

   "information today is driven by computer which is the main input
device for print and electronic media".

   Speaking further, he noted that Nigeria as a country is made up of
between 250-400 native languages."

  Konyin incorporates all the alphabets and tonal marks needed to type
in any Nigerian language in a computer environment. It incorporates 14
extended characters, 13 combining tonal marks and 4 currency (symbols
all available for direct access typing on a computer.

  Thus typing in Nigerian languages and English (the official language)
and the use of the N is made very convenient on a single Keyboard.

  " We have brought the keyboard to National Informational Technology
Development Agency (NITDA) The custodians of the growth and development
of IT in Nigeria to pilot this development on behalf of

  Nigeria. We believe that through NITDA, this will serve as a standard
for the use of Nigerian language and Nigerian computers for the
development of the broad use of computers in our country", he
explained.

  Director-General, NITDA, Prof Cleopas Angaye commended the management
of the company for its achievement and said that with the keyboard it
will be very easy to make input and output on information concerning
Nigerian languages.

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