What is the Local Language Program?
Wilderotter: For many years now, we’ve worked with communities and governments to provide people of the world with the tools they need to utilize the boundless resources of today’s technology in reaching their potential. The Local Language program is a new initiative designed to provide people with access to technology in a language that is familiar to them and which honors their cultural distinctions. Microsoft, in partnership with government and academic institutions worldwide, will concurrently develop 40 languages in the next 12 months for Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Office 2003. Our hope is that the LLP will better people’s personal lives and further develop the local information technology economies of their communities. There are as many as 6,000 languages spoken in the world today, and perhaps another 5,000 dialects. Through the Local Language Program, we’re partnering with governments and local language specialists to extend the benefits of Microsoft technology to new u
