Google introduces handwriting input in Nepali

Google has introduced Google Handwriting Input for Nepali which gives Internet users a simple way to input text on their smartphone or tablet by writing out Nepali characters with their finger or stylus pen. According to Google, for those who find it difficult to use small keyboards in complex language scripts or for older internet users who find typing to be a barrier, Google Handwriting can help them gain access to Nepali web content. Google has also announced its first 'Love Your Language Nepal' translate-a-thon event series that started from Tuesday and will continue till September 30 in partnership with Language Technology Kendra, more than 40 local academic institutions, organizations and businesses. Google has initiated the program in an effort to reduce the language barrier for Nepali speakers on the web at home and abroad. It has invited Nepali translators, language experts and lovers to help improve the quality of Nepali translations online. Issuing a press statement, Amy Kunrojpanya, Google Asia Pacific's head of public affairs & communications for new emerging markets, said that they believe Google tools in the hands of Nepali users can help build a web that works for the country, its people and the Nepali language. "We are introducing the 'Love Your Language Nepal' campaign to open up the technology that powers Google Translate to communities passionate about their language in Nepal. Working together we can improve the understanding and quality of Nepali translations, which in turn can help preserve and promote Nepali culture and language online," Kunrojpanya said in the statement. Google Translate Community, a free crowd-sourced translation tool, works very easily with just few clicks or swipes on a mobile phone, tablet or laptop which can help Nepalis around the world receive better translations, the statement added. Google Translate is a free web-based translation tool that allows anyone to translate information from one language to another. It reaches over 500 million users worldwide and processes over a billion translations every day, according to Google. One can use Google Translate App in Android or iOS device by using the camera on phone, writing or typing and speaking. According to Google, Nepali is the top growing language of 2015 out of the languages launched in the last two years. Source: republica