As the use of computers and internet have become essential for the daily activities, interactions and transactions of the people, the demand to be able to use these tools in one’s language has also increased intensively. However, in order for one’s language and culture to be interpreted through technology, it requires the ability to process and publish written materials easily.

The Geez script is used by the languages Tigrinya and Tigre; a completely different type of alphabet than the most commonly used Latin alphabet, it not only requires a change of font, but also simple techniques to interpret user operations to the characters of the intended language.

Through the cooperation of NUEYS’ innovation and inventions program, Able GeezIME software has been developed as an input method editor for the Geez writing system, not only for easier typing but also taking into the consideration the needs of disabled people, both the blind and hearing-impaired.

A true work of genius, this software has been developed by Fitsum Gaim in cooperation with youth leaders of NUEYS and friends of NUEYS. Able GeezIME is so easy to use; just press control+shift to turn it on and off. It is even easier to type in Geez on an English keyboard than previously developed Geez software. With a voice output support enabled in the software, the visually impaired can have their text read to them by just pressing the shift button. And, if it suits your needs, you can have your text changed into sign language by just highlighting it and changing the font. And check this out people: Able GeezIME is absolutely free!

To learn more about the software and to download it, visit http://www.eri-lingual.blogspot.com

Able GeezIME is part of the Eri Lingual Solutions Series, delivered by a special interest group aimed at delivering language related solutions to public. The Eritrean Sign Language is a recently standardized language of the Eritrean deaf society.

It should be recalled that NUEYS provides financial support and micro-credit schemes for youth to explore their potential in inventions and innovation projects. For more information on how you can support and/or get involved in this program, please contact NUEYS directly.