Introduction about Burmese Language Pack under Ubuntu

[Ngwe Tun]

Hi Every One

Ubuntu much popular among Linux desktop now-a-day. I'm planning to
start Burmese Localization under Ubuntu.

So, I would like to request you to make wish-list here. Anyone can be
wish what functions/modules are essential and prioritize.

Our project scope involves dealing with a Myanmar locale (my_MM) or
cultural conventions. By locale, we generally understand convents such
as sort order, keyboard layout, date, time, number and currency
format. And Burmese input support in the open source softwares, proper
display of the input text, the support for date, currency and time for
Myanmar Customs.

We will follow the Guide to Localization of Open Source Software,
http://www.panl10n.net/english/outputs/GLOSS.pdf

Basic Steps for Linux Localization
As evident from the above information on localization, the basic
procedures for Linux Localization are as follows:
a) Creating locales
b) Font development
c) Choosing the input method and creating keyboard mappings
d) Rendering engines (rendering engines need to be updated if
necessary)
e) User Interface Translation
f) Localization of applications like OpenOffice.org, Gnome Desktop ,
Mozilla Suite etc for supporting local language support


Status of Localization under Ubuntu 8.04
1) Standardization
1.a Character Sets and Encoding
Unicode 5.1 has released since 4th April 2008. Its include
Burmese Encoding standards.
1.b Fonts and Output Methods
Paduak Font and pango-graphite modules will be focused for
Burmese Language
1.c Input Methods
SCIM-KMFL will be focused for Burmese Language
1.d Locales
We will build locales which will be available soon.

2) Deployment
2.a LiveCD
Live CD is needed for migration period. It would help
beginners and tester for Linux.
2.b Language Pack
Language Pack version should be deployed for recent Ubuntu
User.
2.c Inclusive in Ubuntu DVD
Hopefully, In as much as nearest next Ubuntu version, We
should try to put in Ubuntu distribution as Burmese Language Pack.