Ojibwe translation

[Ralph Pichie]

Some info on the aboriginal language situation in Canada:

There are dozens of language families from North America alone, and
different dialects within languages. That's one of the reasons aboriginal
languages haven't been done yet, among many others. How do you choose which
one?

List of languages in Canada, etc.:
http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=CA

Maps of languages in Canada: http://www.ethnologue.com/show_map.asp?name=CA

Taking an Ojibwe project to Six Nations, for example, might inspire them to
do the same for their languages, but with not be of direct benefit, as not
too many there would speak that language.

You will find speakers of many languages here, on the 24-26th of November,
at the Skydome uh I mean Rogers Centre.
http://www.canab.com/

My thoughts on the matter, as someone who has been involved with native
groups for many years and has a foot in both worlds:

Beyond just translating text, there needs to be appropriate graphical
content, sound samples, etc., and it would be useful to switch some
installed applications for others, while changing a default setting or two.
I have a list of desirable alterations, a source for aboriginal motifs, and
contacts with a number of organizations.

Note that an English (or French) language version of Ubuntu, tailored to the
aboriginal demographic, would be relatively easy to produce, and could use
the same graphics, sounds, etc., as any translation project. It would also
be useful for the majority who don't have mastery of their traditional
language(s), but who might like to learn. It would motivate a whole range of
groups to look at translation, especially if such a suggestion were
included.

I had a conversation with a rep from Heritage Canada this summer. My
understanding is that there is funding for aboriginal language projects, but
the government does not determine the projects themselves. That is done
through regional organizations representing native groups. Funding aside,
there is an unfortunate history of outside solutions that, at best, went
nowhere, and, too often, made things worse. For that reason, you really need
to work with word-of-mouth and with the help of insiders who know the issues
and have contacts.

I'd like to discuss this with those that are keen on the idea. I've done a
lot of preparatory work, and I know people, but I can certainly use some
help.

Ralph
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