Middlebury

Difference between revisions of "Foreign Language Input and Support"
 
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== Typing Diacritics (accents) on the PC  ==
 
  
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The best way to type occasional accents on the PC is with the US-International keyboard. See [http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306560 Microsoft's tutorial] for how to install it and how it works. If you only use accents infrequently and don't want to install an additional keyboard, you can use the built-in Microsoft [[#Typing accented characters in Microsoft Office|Office shorctuts]]. For users with a separate number pad on the right side of the keyboard, [http://symbolcodes.tlt.psu.edu/accents/codealt.html alt codes] are also an option.
+
== Typing Diacritics (accents) on the PC ==
 +
 
 +
The best way to type occasional accents on the PC is with the US-International keyboard. See [http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306560 Microsoft's tutorial] for how to install it and how it works. If you only use accents infrequently and don't want to install an additional keyboard, you can use the built-in Microsoft [[#Typing_accented_characters_in_Microsoft_Office|Office shorctuts]]. For users with a separate number pad on the right side of the keyboard, [http://symbolcodes.tlt.psu.edu/accents/codealt.html alt codes] are also an option.
  
 
If you frequently type in another language, it is recommended to install the keyboard for that language, so the keys you need will be close at hand. This page will show you how.
 
If you frequently type in another language, it is recommended to install the keyboard for that language, so the keys you need will be close at hand. This page will show you how.
  
−
== Using and configuring foreign language support in Windows ==
+
== Using and configuring foreign language support in Windows ==
−
The first thing you need to do is install an additional keyboard. Once this is done (as should already be the case on all public lab computers), you just need to switch to that language using the [[#Using The Language Bar|Language Bar]] (or these [[#Keyboard Shortcuts|keyboard shortcuts]]).
 
−
=== Configuring Your PC For Multilingual Language Support  ===
 
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====Windows 8.1====
 
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Microsoft provides support to configure and manage different languages. Follow the link below. You might need to install a language pack in order to see all the different key distributions on a keyboard.
 
−
[http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Add-or-change-an-input-language Add or change an input language] (text and video instructions)
 
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=====Install a new keyboard configuration=====
 
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*To add a keyboard layout for a language
 
  
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**Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings, and then tap Change PC settings.
+
The first thing you need to do is install an additional keyboard. Once this is done (as should already be the case on all public lab computers), you just need to switch to that language using the [[#Using_The_Language_Bar|Language Bar]] (or these [[#Keyboard_Shortcuts|keyboard shortcuts]]).
−
(If you're using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, click Settings, and then click Change PC settings.)
 
  
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**Tap or click Time and language, and then tap or click Region and language.
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=== Configuring Your PC For Multilingual Language Support ===
  
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**Tap or click the language you want to add a keyboard to, and then tap or click Options.
+
==== Windows 10 - Classrooms & Public Windows Computers ====
  
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**Tap or click Add a keyboard, browse the input method list for the keyboard layout you want to use, and then tap or click it.
+
'''Method 1''': Keyboard input for foreign languages is pre-installed on all classroom and public computers at Middlebury College. It can be found under the '''Windows Start Image => 'M' Software Group => MIDD Languages'''. <gallery>
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====Windows 7 - Classroom and Public Computers====
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File:MIDD - Languages (start menu).png|keyboard language input in Windows 10 classrooms and labs (start-menu)
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Keyboard input for foreign languages is pre-installed on all classroom and public computers at Middlebury College. It can be found under the Start button => Programs => MIDD Languages.
 
−
<gallery>
 
−
File:Keyboard_language_input_in_classrooms_and_labs.png|keyboard language input in classrooms and labs
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
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====Windows 7====
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'''Method 2''': There is also a desktop folder called "'''Language Keyboards'''" that when opened will allow a user to select from a number of language keyboard options. Double-click on the .bat file of the desired language. This will install the keyboard option for the selected language. <gallery>
−
If your computer does not have the language inputs that you desire, you can add them by using these instructions:
+
Language Keyboards Folder - desktop.PNG|Language Keyboard (desktop-folder)
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* [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Add-or-change-an-input-language Add or change an input language] (text and video instructions)
+
Language Keyboards Folder.PNG|Language Keyboard (open-folder)
 +
</gallery>
  
−
====Windows Vista====
 
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If your computer does not have the language inputs that you desire, you can add them by using these instructions:
 
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* [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Add-an-input-language Add an input language] (text instructions)
 
  
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====Windows XP====
 
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If your version of Windows has been installed with language support, you should be able to simply select the languages you want to use to make keyboards and/or input method editors (IME) become available to you. This can be done as follows:
 
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#Navigate to [[Image:Start button.PNG]] -&gt; '''Settings''' -&gt; '''Control Panel''' -&gt; '''Regional and Language Options'''.
 
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#From the Regional and Language Options window, click the '''Languages''' tab.
 
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#Click [[Image:Details button.PNG]]. The Text Services and Input Language dialog box opens.
 
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#In the '''Installed services''' section, click [[Image:Add button.PNG]].
 
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#On the '''Add Input Language''' dialog box, select the desired language from the Input language drop-down list. The '''Keyboard layout/IME''' drop-down list also changes. From the Keyboard layout/IME drop-down list, chose an appropriate keyboard/IME (Input Method Editors - see below).
 
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#Click [[Image:OK button.PNG]]. This returns you to the Text Services and Input Languages dialog, where the language you selected is added to the Installed Services list.
 
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#In the '''Preferences''' section, click on '''Language Bar'''. The Language Bar Settings dialog box opens.
 
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#Click the checkbox next to '''Show the Language Bar on the desktop''', and set any other options you find useful.
 
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#Click [[Image:OK button.PNG]]. The Language Bar Settings window closes.
 
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#Click [[Image:OK button.PNG]] on the Text Services and Input Languages dialog box.
 
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#Click [[Image:Apply button.PNG]]. '''The Language Bar''' will appear on the right side of your taskbar, displaying the English language icon ('''EN''').
 
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#Click [[Image:OK button.PNG]]. The Text Services and Input Languages window closes.
 
  
 
=== Using The Language Bar ===
 
=== Using The Language Bar ===
  
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[[Image:Windows language bar.JPG|right]] Microsoft Windows XP and Windows 7 offer support for virtually any language including Chinese, Japanese, Arabic and Russian. You can type in any of these languages using any program you want with the Input Method Editors (IME) available in Windows.
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[[File:Language-bar.jpg|right|Windows language bar.JPG]] Windows&nbsp;offers support for many languages including Chinese, Japanese, Arabic and Russian. You can type in any of these languages using any program you want with the Input Method Editors (IME) available in Windows.
  
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#Start Microsoft Word (or any other application you want to use).
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#Start Microsoft Word (or any other application you want to use).  
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#Select the language you want to type in from the Language Bar on the taskbar:
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#Select the language you want to type in from the Language Bar on the taskbar:  
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##Click the icon in the lower right corner of your screen. A pop-up menu will appear.
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##Click the icon in the lower right corner of your screen. A pop-up menu will appear.  
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##Select your language from the pop-up menu. (Some language options may require you to right-click on the language icon (e.g. CH) and chose Adjust the Language band position.)
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##Select your language from the pop-up menu. (Some language options may require you to right-click on the language icon (e.g. CH) and chose Adjust the Language band position.)  
  
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* If you accidentally close the Language Bar, you can reopen it by right-clicking on an unused area on the taskbar and choosing '''Toolbars''' -&gt; '''Language Bar'''.
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*If you accidentally close the Language Bar, you can reopen it by right-clicking on an unused area on the taskbar and choosing '''Toolbars''' -> '''Language Bar'''.
  
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=== Keyboard Shortcuts ===
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=== Keyboard Shortcuts ===
  
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*The faster way to switch between input languages is by pressing Alt+Shift to cycle through the available languages. Some languages, such as Japanese, will additionally require you to switch input methods - the keyboard shortcut for this is Alt+` (the accent grave/tilde key). For switching between keyboard setups in languages like Chinese or English (particularly useful if you are using the US-International keyboard), the shortcut is Ctrl+Shift.
+
*The faster way to switch between input languages is by pressing Alt+Shift to cycle through the available languages. Some languages, such as Japanese, will additionally require you to switch input methods - the keyboard shortcut for this is Alt+` (the accent grave/tilde key). For switching between keyboard setups in languages like Chinese or English (particularly useful if you are using the US-International keyboard), the shortcut is Ctrl+Shift.  
  
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=== Use the On-Screen Keyboard to find your way ===
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=== Use the On-Screen Keyboard to find your way ===
  
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[[Image:OSK.PNG|right|400px]] An '''On-Screen Keyboard''' can be useful for some languages such as Russian and Arabic. To run the on-screen keyboard, go to [[Image:Start button.PNG]] -&gt; '''Programs''' -&gt; '''Accessories''' -&gt; '''Accessibility''' -&gt; '''On-Screen Keyboard'''.
+
An '''On-Screen Keyboard''' can be useful for some languages such as Russian and Arabic. To run the on-screen keyboard, click '''Start''' -> '''All Programs''' -> '''Accessories''' -> '''Ease of Access''' -> '''On-Screen Keyboard'''.
  
 +
=== Input Method Editors (IME) ===
  
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=== Input Method Editors (IME)  ===
+
<br/> Typing in many non-Latin-based languages requires learning how these characters are transliterated into English characters. Consult the instructors in your department or Language School for more detailed information. Here are some examples:
  
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<br>Typing in many non-Latin-based languages requires learning how these characters are transliterated into English characters. Consult the instructors in your department or Language School for more detailed information. Here are some examples:
+
{| border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" width="600"
−
 
 
−
{| width="600" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| '''Language'''
 
| '''Language'''
Line 95: Line 67:
 
|}
 
|}
  
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=== Typing accented characters in Microsoft Office ===
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=== Typing accented characters in Microsoft Office ===
  
 
You can type some foreign characters in MS Word, Outlook, and other Office programs without any special configuration. There are certain key combinations that signal your computer to use a character that isn't found on an English keyboard. These characters are actually pretty easy to enter in, once you learn the basic rule.
 
You can type some foreign characters in MS Word, Outlook, and other Office programs without any special configuration. There are certain key combinations that signal your computer to use a character that isn't found on an English keyboard. These characters are actually pretty easy to enter in, once you learn the basic rule.
Line 101: Line 73:
 
If you don't want to or don't know how to configure your keyboard to type in foreign characters directly, you can use this trick to enter in the characters in MS Word, and then copy and paste them into another program if needed.
 
If you don't want to or don't know how to configure your keyboard to type in foreign characters directly, you can use this trick to enter in the characters in MS Word, and then copy and paste them into another program if needed.
  
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==== The basic rule ====
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==== The basic rule ====
  
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On a PC running Windows, MS Word's foreign character shortcuts usually involve first pressing [[Image:Key Ctrl.PNG]] and some other character, and then pressing the letter key that you want to add an accent to.
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On a PC running Windows, MS Word's foreign character shortcuts usually involve first pressing [[File:Key Ctrl.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] and some other character, and then pressing the letter key that you want to add an accent to.
  
 
For example:
 
For example:
  
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*to create a '''é''' character, press [[Image:Key Ctrl.PNG]] + [[Image:Key Quote.PNG]]; then release, and press [[Image:Key E.PNG]]. <br>''(The '''é''' is like an E with a ' on top of it.)''
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*to create a '''é''' character, press [[File:Key Ctrl.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + [[File:Key Quote.PNG|RTENOTITLE]]; then release, and press [[File:Key E.PNG|RTENOTITLE]].<br/> ''(The '''é''' is like an E with a ' on top of it.)''  
−
*to create a '''ñ''' character, press [[Image:Key Ctrl.PNG]] + [[Image:Key Shift.PNG]] + [[Image:Key Tilde.PNG]]; then release, and press [[Image:Key N.PNG]]. <br>''(The '''ñ''' is like an N with a ~ on top of it; notice that just as you have to hold SHIFT to type a ~ character normally, you have to hold [[Image:Key Ctrl.PNG]] + [[Image:Key Shift.PNG]] in order to create a "tildefied" special character.)''
+
*to create a '''ñ''' character, press [[File:Key Ctrl.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + [[File:Key Shift.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + [[File:Key Tilde.PNG|RTENOTITLE]]; then release, and press [[File:Key N.PNG|RTENOTITLE]].<br/> ''(The '''ñ''' is like an N with a ~ on top of it; notice that just as you have to hold SHIFT to type a ~ character normally, you have to hold [[File:Key Ctrl.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + [[File:Key Shift.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] in order to create a "tildefied" special character.)''  
  
−
Macs running OSX have a slightly different system; see the [[#Mac OSX instructions|Mac instructions]] below.
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Macs running OSX have a slightly different system; see the [[#Mac_OSX_instructions|Mac instructions]] below.
  
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==== The full chart of key shortcuts: ====
+
==== The full chart of key shortcuts: ====
  
 
{| border="1"
 
{| border="1"
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|-
 
|-
 
| á, é, í, ó, ú
 
| á, é, í, ó, ú
−
| [[Image:Key Ctrl.PNG]] + [[Image:Key Quote.PNG]]
+
| [[File:Key Ctrl.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + [[File:Key Quote.PNG|RTENOTITLE]]
−
| [[Image:Key A.PNG]] etc.
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| [[File:Key A.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] etc.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| à, è, ì, ò, ù
 
| à, è, ì, ò, ù
−
| [[Image:Key Ctrl.PNG]] + [[Image:Key Tilde.PNG]]
+
| [[File:Key Ctrl.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + [[File:Key Tilde.PNG|RTENOTITLE]]
−
| [[Image:Key A.PNG]] etc.
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| [[File:Key A.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] etc.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ä, ë, ï, ö, ü
 
| ä, ë, ï, ö, ü
−
| [[Image:Key Ctrl.PNG]] + [[Image:Key Shift.PNG]] + [[Image:Key Colon.PNG]]
+
| [[File:Key Ctrl.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + [[File:Key Shift.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + [[File:Key Colon.PNG|RTENOTITLE]]
−
| [[Image:Key A.PNG]] etc.
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| [[File:Key A.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] etc.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| â, ê, î, ô, û
 
| â, ê, î, ô, û
−
| [[Image:Key Ctrl.PNG]] + [[Image:Key Shift.PNG]] + '''^''' key
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| [[File:Key Ctrl.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + [[File:Key Shift.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + '''^''' key
−
| [[Image:Key A.PNG]] etc.
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| [[File:Key A.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] etc.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ñ, ã, õ
 
| ñ, ã, õ
−
| [[Image:Key Ctrl.PNG]] + [[Image:Key Shift.PNG]] + [[Image:Key Tilde.PNG]]
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| [[File:Key Ctrl.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + [[File:Key Shift.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + [[File:Key Tilde.PNG|RTENOTITLE]]
−
| [[Image:Key N.PNG]] etc.
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| [[File:Key N.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] etc.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ç
 
| ç
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| [[Image:Key Ctrl.PNG]] + '''&lt;''' key
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| [[File:Key Ctrl.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + '''<''' key
−
| [[Image:Key C.PNG]]
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| [[File:Key C.PNG|RTENOTITLE]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
| æ
 
| æ
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| [[Image:Key Ctrl.PNG]] + [[Image:Key Shift.PNG]] + '''&amp;''' key
+
| [[File:Key Ctrl.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + [[File:Key Shift.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + '''&''' key
−
| [[Image:Key A.PNG]]
+
| [[File:Key A.PNG|RTENOTITLE]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
| œ
 
| œ
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| [[Image:Key Ctrl.PNG]] + [[Image:Key Shift.PNG]] + '''&amp;''' key
+
| [[File:Key Ctrl.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + [[File:Key Shift.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + '''&''' key
−
| [[Image:Key O.PNG]]
+
| [[File:Key O.PNG|RTENOTITLE]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ø
 
| ø
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| [[Image:Key Ctrl.PNG]] + '''?''' key
+
| [[File:Key Ctrl.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + '''?''' key
−
| [[Image:Key O.PNG]]
+
| [[File:Key O.PNG|RTENOTITLE]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ß
 
| ß
−
| [[Image:Key Ctrl.PNG]] + [[Image:Key Shift.PNG]] + '''&amp;''' key
+
| [[File:Key Ctrl.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + [[File:Key Shift.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + '''&''' key
−
| [[Image:Key S.PNG]]
+
| [[File:Key S.PNG|RTENOTITLE]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
| å
 
| å
−
| [[Image:Key Ctrl.PNG]] + [[Image:Key Shift.PNG]] + '''@''' key
+
| [[File:Key Ctrl.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + [[File:Key Shift.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + '''@''' key
−
| [[Image:Key A.PNG]]
+
| [[File:Key A.PNG|RTENOTITLE]]
 
|}
 
|}
  
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|-
 
|-
 
| ¡&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
 
| ¡&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
−
| [[Image:Key Ctrl.PNG]] + [[Image:Key Alt.PNG]] + [[Image:Key Shift.PNG]] + '''!''' key
+
| [[File:Key Ctrl.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + [[File:Key Alt.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + [[File:Key Shift.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + '''!''' key
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ¿
 
| ¿
−
| [[Image:Key Ctrl.PNG]] + [[Image:Key Alt.PNG]] + [[Image:Key Shift.PNG]] + '''?''' key
+
| [[File:Key Ctrl.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + [[File:Key Alt.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + [[File:Key Shift.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + '''?''' key
 
|-
 
|-
 
| €
 
| €
−
| [[Image:Key Ctrl.PNG]] + [[Image:Key Alt.PNG]] + [[Image:Key E.PNG]]
+
| [[File:Key Ctrl.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + [[File:Key Alt.PNG|RTENOTITLE]] + [[File:Key E.PNG|RTENOTITLE]]
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
== Microsoft Office Proofing Tools  ==
 
  
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Proofing Tools can be purchased for Microsoft Office that provide additional text input and formatting options for many languages such as Spelling and Grammar Checkers, Translation Dictionaries, Thesauri and Hyphenation Tools. Proofing Tools for Chinese also have options for converting Chinese text to Simplified or Traditional characters. Proofing Tools are installed in most computer labs at Middlebury and can be purchased from Microsoft for individual computers.
+
== Microsoft Office 365 Language Packs ==
 +
 
 +
Language Packs&nbsp;are available for download from Microsoft. These include proofing tools.&nbsp; See [https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Language-Accessory-Pack-for-Office-82ee1236-0f9a-45ee-9c72-05b026ee809f here].
 +
 
 +
== Mac OSX instructions ==
 +
 
 +
Typing in accented characters is the same for all '''Mac '''applications, including the operating system.
 +
 
 +
*The easiest way is to hold down the letter that you'd like to put a diacritic over or under. A menu should appear allowing you to select the appropriate output.
 +
 
 +
*For more complex output, you can use "symbol codes". [http://sites.psu.edu/symbolcodes/mac/codemac/ '''A complete table can be found here.'''] Unusual requirements, such as transliterating non-Latin-based languages like Arabic, may require the use of the Extended keyboard mentioned on that site.  
  
−
== Mac OSX instructions  ==
+
*If your chosen language has a different script, or if you type in another language frequently enough that you'd rather use the keyboard layout designed for that language, you'll need to [https://support.apple.com/kb/PH18448?locale=en_US&viewlocale=en_US '''change your keyboard input method'''].
  
−
Typing in accented characters is the same for all '''Mac '''applications, including the operating system. [http://symbolcodes.tlt.psu.edu/accents/codemac.html '''A complete table can be found here.''']
+
For any of the above, you may also wish to use the [https://support.apple.com/kb/PH18449?locale=en_US&viewlocale=en_US '''virtual keyboard'''] to help you find unfamiliar keys.
  
−
If your chosen language has a different script, or if you type in another language frequently enough that you'd rather use the keyboard layout designed for that language, you'll need to [http://support.apple.com/kb/PH11251 change your keyboard input method]. You may wish to use the [http://etc.usf.edu/techease/4all/input-devices/how-do-i-use-the-onscreen-keyboard-in-mac-os-x/#html on-screen keyboard] to help you find unfamiliar keys.
+
If you wish to not only change the keyboard layout, but also the language used in computer menus, dialogs, dates, times and currencies, you can [https://support.apple.com/kb/PH18433?locale=en_US '''change your display language''']. The steps should be similar for other earlier operating systems.
  
 
== IPA and other symbols ==
 
== IPA and other symbols ==
  
−
If you need to use the IPA or other special characters, the simplest way is to use an online keyboard like the one at http://ipa.typeit.org/full/. Otherwise, on a PC you can use Insert&gt;Symbol in your favorite Office program (for best results, make sure you're using a font with good Unicode support, such as [http://scripts.sil.org/cms/scripts/page.php?site_id=nrsi&id=doulossilfont Doulos].) On a Mac, you can enable the Character Viewer the same way you enable the on-screen keyboard above, then use the settings to display additional character lists.
+
If you need to use the IPA or other special characters, the simplest way is to use an online keyboard like the one at [http://ipa.typeit.org/full/ http://ipa.typeit.org/full/]. Otherwise, on a PC you can use Insert>Symbol in your favorite Office program (for best results, make sure you're using a font with good Unicode support, such as [http://scripts.sil.org/cms/scripts/page.php?site_id=nrsi&id=doulossilfont Doulos].) On a Mac, you can enable the Character Viewer the same way you enable the on-screen keyboard above, then use the settings to display additional character lists.
  
−
[[Category:Helpdesk Documentation]]
+
[[Category:Helpdesk Documentation]] [[Category:Language]] [[Category:Foreign characters]] [[Category:Foreign language]] [[Category:Diacritics]] [[Category:Accents]] [[Category:Public Search]]
−
[[Category:Language]]
 
−
[[Category:Foreign characters]]
 
−
[[Category:Foreign language]]
 
−
[[Category:Diacritics]]
 
−
[[Category:Accents]]
 
−
[[Category:Public Search]]
 

Latest revision as of 12:32, 4 March 2020

Typing Diacritics (accents) on the PC

The best way to type occasional accents on the PC is with the US-International keyboard. See Microsoft's tutorial for how to install it and how it works. If you only use accents infrequently and don't want to install an additional keyboard, you can use the built-in Microsoft Office shorctuts. For users with a separate number pad on the right side of the keyboard, alt codes are also an option.

If you frequently type in another language, it is recommended to install the keyboard for that language, so the keys you need will be close at hand. This page will show you how.

Using and configuring foreign language support in Windows

The first thing you need to do is install an additional keyboard. Once this is done (as should already be the case on all public lab computers), you just need to switch to that language using the Language Bar (or these keyboard shortcuts).

Configuring Your PC For Multilingual Language Support

Windows 10 - Classrooms & Public Windows Computers

Method 1: Keyboard input for foreign languages is pre-installed on all classroom and public computers at Middlebury College. It can be found under the Windows Start Image => 'M' Software Group => MIDD Languages.

  • keyboard language input in Windows 10 classrooms and labs (start-menu)

Method 2: There is also a desktop folder called "Language Keyboards" that when opened will allow a user to select from a number of language keyboard options. Double-click on the .bat file of the desired language. This will install the keyboard option for the selected language.

  • Language Keyboard (desktop-folder)

  • Language Keyboard (open-folder)


Using The Language Bar

Windows language bar.JPG

Windows offers support for many languages including Chinese, Japanese, Arabic and Russian. You can type in any of these languages using any program you want with the Input Method Editors (IME) available in Windows.

  1. Start Microsoft Word (or any other application you want to use).
  2. Select the language you want to type in from the Language Bar on the taskbar:
    1. Click the icon in the lower right corner of your screen. A pop-up menu will appear.
    2. Select your language from the pop-up menu. (Some language options may require you to right-click on the language icon (e.g. CH) and chose Adjust the Language band position.)
  • If you accidentally close the Language Bar, you can reopen it by right-clicking on an unused area on the taskbar and choosing Toolbars -> Language Bar.

Keyboard Shortcuts

  • The faster way to switch between input languages is by pressing Alt+Shift to cycle through the available languages. Some languages, such as Japanese, will additionally require you to switch input methods - the keyboard shortcut for this is Alt+` (the accent grave/tilde key). For switching between keyboard setups in languages like Chinese or English (particularly useful if you are using the US-International keyboard), the shortcut is Ctrl+Shift.

Use the On-Screen Keyboard to find your way

An On-Screen Keyboard can be useful for some languages such as Russian and Arabic. To run the on-screen keyboard, click Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> Ease of Access -> On-Screen Keyboard.

Input Method Editors (IME)


Typing in many non-Latin-based languages requires learning how these characters are transliterated into English characters. Consult the instructors in your department or Language School for more detailed information. Here are some examples:

Language Input Language Keyboard layout/IME
Chinese Chinese (PRC) Chinese (Simplified) - Microsoft Pinyin SimpleFast 2010
Arabic Arabic (Saudi Arabia) Arabic (101)
Japanese Japanese (Japan) Microsoft IME

Typing accented characters in Microsoft Office

You can type some foreign characters in MS Word, Outlook, and other Office programs without any special configuration. There are certain key combinations that signal your computer to use a character that isn't found on an English keyboard. These characters are actually pretty easy to enter in, once you learn the basic rule.

If you don't want to or don't know how to configure your keyboard to type in foreign characters directly, you can use this trick to enter in the characters in MS Word, and then copy and paste them into another program if needed.

The basic rule

On a PC running Windows, MS Word's foreign character shortcuts usually involve first pressing RTENOTITLE and some other character, and then pressing the letter key that you want to add an accent to.

For example:

  • to create a é character, press RTENOTITLE + RTENOTITLE; then release, and press RTENOTITLE.
    (The é is like an E with a ' on top of it.)
  • to create a ñ character, press RTENOTITLE + RTENOTITLE + RTENOTITLE; then release, and press RTENOTITLE.
    (The ñ is like an N with a ~ on top of it; notice that just as you have to hold SHIFT to type a ~ character normally, you have to hold RTENOTITLE + RTENOTITLE in order to create a "tildefied" special character.)

Macs running OSX have a slightly different system; see the Mac instructions below.

The full chart of key shortcuts:

To produce... First press... Then press...
á, é, í, ó, ú RTENOTITLE + RTENOTITLE RTENOTITLE etc.
à, è, ì, ò, ù RTENOTITLE + RTENOTITLE RTENOTITLE etc.
ä, ë, ï, ö, ü RTENOTITLE + RTENOTITLE + RTENOTITLE RTENOTITLE etc.
â, ê, î, ô, û RTENOTITLE + RTENOTITLE + ^ key RTENOTITLE etc.
ñ, ã, õ RTENOTITLE + RTENOTITLE + RTENOTITLE RTENOTITLE etc.
ç RTENOTITLE + < key RTENOTITLE
æ RTENOTITLE + RTENOTITLE + & key RTENOTITLE
œ RTENOTITLE + RTENOTITLE + & key RTENOTITLE
ø RTENOTITLE + ? key RTENOTITLE
ß RTENOTITLE + RTENOTITLE + & key RTENOTITLE
å RTENOTITLE + RTENOTITLE + @ key RTENOTITLE
¡                    RTENOTITLE + RTENOTITLE + RTENOTITLE + ! key
¿ RTENOTITLE + RTENOTITLE + RTENOTITLE + ? key
€ RTENOTITLE + RTENOTITLE + RTENOTITLE


Microsoft Office 365 Language Packs

Language Packs are available for download from Microsoft. These include proofing tools.  See here.

Mac OSX instructions

Typing in accented characters is the same for all Mac applications, including the operating system.

  • The easiest way is to hold down the letter that you'd like to put a diacritic over or under. A menu should appear allowing you to select the appropriate output.
  • For more complex output, you can use "symbol codes". A complete table can be found here. Unusual requirements, such as transliterating non-Latin-based languages like Arabic, may require the use of the Extended keyboard mentioned on that site.
  • If your chosen language has a different script, or if you type in another language frequently enough that you'd rather use the keyboard layout designed for that language, you'll need to change your keyboard input method.

For any of the above, you may also wish to use the virtual keyboard to help you find unfamiliar keys.

If you wish to not only change the keyboard layout, but also the language used in computer menus, dialogs, dates, times and currencies, you can change your display language. The steps should be similar for other earlier operating systems.

IPA and other symbols

If you need to use the IPA or other special characters, the simplest way is to use an online keyboard like the one at http://ipa.typeit.org/full/. Otherwise, on a PC you can use Insert>Symbol in your favorite Office program (for best results, make sure you're using a font with good Unicode support, such as Doulos.) On a Mac, you can enable the Character Viewer the same way you enable the on-screen keyboard above, then use the settings to display additional character lists.

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