Keyboarding in Latin Scripts

Introduction

Accessing Spanish Special Characters

Tips, Tricks, and Tools for Multiple Language Input During Classroom Instruction

Adding Language Input Methods and Language Keyboard Layouts on Devices

US INTL Keyboard on Windows

ChromeOS

MacOS

Share Your Perspective on Typing Instruction in the World Language Classroom

Introduction

In the boundless realm of communication arts and letters, the skill of typing in multiple languages is a crucial instrument for delving deeper into the cultural tapestry. To truly experience the essence of a language, to unravel its intricacies and subtleties, one must possess the facility to express oneself effortlessly through the keyboard.

The operating system of our device - be it Windows, MacOS, iOS, or ChromeOS - offers the possibility of enabling multiple keyboard layouts, allowing us to toggle between languages with ease. For those familiar with the Latin script, the US International Keyboard offers a convenient solution, providing access to the accents, diacritics, and special characters of many Latin-based languages, e.g., Albanian, French, German, Haitian Creole, Italian, Portuguese, & Spanish, while retaining the standard English QWERTY layout. There is no need to purchase additional hardware or software, for this keyboard layout is already within reach.

Yet, for those languages that employ a script other than Latin, see our guidance on how to add and use language-specific keyboard layouts: Keyboarding in Non-Latin Scripts. For the student of Latin-based languages, or the connoisseur of its arts and cultures, this journey into the realm of typing presents a new and exciting challenge. Let us embark upon it, bridging gaps and fostering connections with the language and its people.

Accessing Spanish Special Characters

Using Spanish as an example, there are a couple of different ways to type special characters and accents using the US International Keyboard. One method is to use "dead keys", which are special keys that allow you to type a special character or accent by pressing the key and then a letter key. For example, to type the letter á, you would press the ' key (also known as the quotations key), release it, and then press the a key.

Another method is to use AltGr plus letter combinations. AltGr stands for "Alternate Graphics." It is also known as the "Right Alt" key or the "Option" key on some keyboards. It is a special key on the keyboard that allows you to type special characters and accents by pressing the AltGr key and a letter key at the same time. For example, to type the letter á, you would press AltGr and the a key at the same time.

The list to the right highlights some of the most common special characters and accents that you might need to type in Spanish, along with the dead keys or AltGr plus letter combinations to use on the US International Keyboard:

á: ' + a or AltGr + a
é: ' + e or AltGr + e
í: ' + i or AltGr + i
ó: ' + o or AltGr + o
ú: ' + u or AltGr + u
ü: " + u or AltGr + y
ñ: ~ + n or AltGr + n
¡: AltGr + 1
¿: AltGr + /
«: AltGr + [
»: AltGr + ]

Tips, Tricks, and Tools for Multiple Language Input During Classroom Instruction

During world language exams, the required method of typing will be using the keyboard layouts enabled on the operating system.

However, there are many tools for teachers and students to type in languges other than English. In addition to the language keyboard layouts provided by the devices' operating system, students may gain experience and practice typing in multiple languages during classroom instruction using third-party applications and tools such as Google Input Tools enabled in Google Docs, or the Chrome Browser extension.

There are a variety of third-party language keyboard applications available on the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and Windows Apps Store. While these applications may be helpful for learning and instruction, they may not be allowed on the exam as some of the applications may come with features, such as translation or custom dictionaries, that might give students an unfair advantage on the exam. If you have questions please email us: WLExams@schools.nyc.gov

Enabling multiple language inputs across Google Services including Google Docs

You can go to https://myaccount.google.com/personal-info and add your preferred language input tools on your google workspace account which will then show up across many Google Services including Docs. Note that in the case of enabling the US International Keyboard across Google Services one would select Español (Spanish) and select US International.

Practice Tips and Resources:

Two practice templates are available at the following links:

The following list of words and phrases in Spanish may be helpful practice for students to type using the US International Keyboard:

- ¿Cómo estás? (How are you?)
- ¿Te gusta el español? (Do you like Spanish?)
- ¿Qué tal el fin de semana? (How was your weekend?)
- ¡Me gusta jugar al fútbol! (I like to play soccer!)
- El gato está durmiendo en la cama (The cat is sleeping in the bed)
- ¡Hoy es mi cumpleaños! (Today is my birthday)
- ¿Quieres ir al parque? (Do you want to go to the park?)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? (Where is the bathroom?)
- Extra credit: «La cigüeña voló por encima de la casa y dejó un regalo en la chimenea.» ("The stork flew over the house and left a gift in the chimney.")

TypeTest.io provides typing tests for languages including, French, German, and Spanish.

Adding Language Input Methods and Language Keyboard Layouts on Devices

US INTL Keyboard on Windows

Follow these steps for adding the US International Keyboard for Windows 10 or later:

Click Start, Settings, to open the "Time & Language" window.
On the left side, select “Language”.
Under Preferred Languages, select “English (United States)” and click the “Options” button
Under Keyboards, select “ + Add a Keyboard”
Scroll through the options to find “United States-International QWERTY”
The US-International layout should show up in the Keyboards listing
Close out of the settings panel
In the lower right-hand corner of your desktop, you will see “ENG” for your keyboard selection. Click “ENG” and select ENG-INTL for your keyboard

In addition to the written instructions here, you may also find the following video helpful. To view the video you must be signed into your DOE Google Workspace account.

US INTL INTRO WINDOWS: Jan 4, 2023 12:32 PM.webm

For more information the Interactive Language Resource Center at Miami University provides online instructions for character entry using the US international keyboard on Windows devices (see General Character Entry using the US International Keyboard (Win) - Miami University).

ChromeOS

Google provides guidance for choosing keyboard languages and special characters on ChromeOS devices through the "Chromebook Help" website. This guidance includes information on how to add additional languages to the keyboard and how to switch between different keyboard layouts.

Set your keyboard languages

At the bottom right, select the time.
Select Settings .
On the left panel, select Advanced and then Languages and inputs.
Under "Languages and inputs," select Inputs.
Under "Input methods," select Add input methods.
Select the keyboard languages you want to use and then Add.
"Enabled" is listed under the current keyboard.
To set a different keyboard language, use your cursor to point to and select another keyboard.

In addition to the written instructions provided here, you may also find the following video helpful. This video provides a visual guide to adding language keyboards as well as switching between different keyboard layouts. To view the video you must be signed into your DOE Google Workspace account.

US INTL Keyboard on Chromebooks.mp4

For more information and guidance, you can visit the "Choose keyboard language & special characters" page on the Chromebook Help website. This page provides step-by-step instructions on how to add and remove languages from the keyboard, as well as how to switch between different keyboard layouts.

MacOS

For MacOS devices with the most recent version of the operating system, Ventura 13, the directions are below.

Set up your Mac to write in another language:

On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Keyboard in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)
Go to Text Input on the right, then click Edit.
Click the Add button , then search for a language (English)
In the window on the right, scroll down to the U.S. International - PC
Click Add.
To begin writing in another language, select the language you want to use in the Input menu in the menu bar.

For earlier versions, please see these instructions, and select the version of the operating system your computers are running:

Share Your Perspective on Typing Instruction in the World Language Classroom

We are dedicated to improving language education and empowering students to communicate effectively in a digital world. We are currently conducting a survey to gain a better understanding of the role of keyboarding and typing instruction in world language classrooms. We invite you to take part and share your perspective on this important topic. Your input will help shape the future of keyboarding instruction in world language education. Click here to take the survey now and help us unlock the potential of keyboard skills in language education.

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