National Language Authority launches Urdu software package

ISLAMABAD — On July 18, the National Language Authority (NLA) launched an Urdu computing and processing software package developed by its Centre of Excellence for Urdu Informatics, which will help users operate computer programmes running Urdu operating systems.

“Previously use of computers was difficult for Urdu speakers due to the English language barrier. Now, [new] software will help translate from English to Urdu, and also link the relation between words and meanings of both languages,” said NLA Chairman Iftikhar Arif during the launch ceremony.

“Scholars, researchers, teachers and students can use the Urdu database application to develop a comprehensive language reference bank,” he said. “Also, the Urdu Style Guide will help the researchers, authors, and publishers use international and customised standards of the style for articles, books and other material.”

Additionally, commercial applications like Windows and Office are converted into Urdu operating systems.

NLA established the Urdu Informatics Division, which is presently pursuing various development projects in information technology and is engaged in translating computer terminologies to be used in Urdu applications.

According to NLA sources, under this project the “Pak-Nastaleeq” font was developed to support Urdu and all regional languages with a single font and keyboard. For development of the Urdu code plate and to bring the language into the global Unicode, NLA obtained corporate membership in the Unicode Consortium in 2001. With an annual fee of US$12,000, Urdu fonts are supported by the consortium.

“As the font is Unicode, all kinds of data processing and computing becomes possible, Arif said. “With the use of such fonts, Urdu becomes a language of the Internet.”

Referring to achievements of the NLA, Arif said, “The authority has translated approximately 60,000 pages of official documents, including government rules and regulations and various other reports … NLA has prepared and published more than 600 titles, including 80 dictionaries, both technical and [common] in Urdu and also has prepared 80 textbooks for offices, courts, educational and other institutions,” he said.