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Introduction
Introduction
Looking out into the vast universe, we are constantly in awe of its endless mysteries and beauty. In our quest to understand it, we often need the ability to communicate in multiple languages. To enable this, we must familiarize ourselves with the keyboard layouts within our operating systems - whether it be Windows, MacOS, iOS, or ChromeOS.
For many languages that use a Latin script, such as French, Italian, or Spanish, the US International Keyboard provides easy access to special characters while still maintaining the standard English QWERTY layout (for example see Keyboarding in Español). However, for languages with non-Latin scripts or that have special characters not accessible via the US International Keyboard like Arabic, Polish, or Russian, we must install language-specific keyboards or input method editors (IME).
The New York State Education Department's (NYSED) Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages (OBEWL) has taken a comprehensive approach to setting proficiency standards for languages, dividing them into two categories: Category 1-2 (languages based on the Roman alphabet and American Sign Language) and Category 3-4 (languages with non-Roman alphabets and Indigenous languages). For more information, please visit the NYSED website (http://www.nysed.gov/world-languages/standards-and-guidelines), where you can find a detailed description of these standards.
Although these categorizations indicate the difficulty of learning a given language, the method of typing can vary greatly from one language to another. For example, Vietnamese uses an extended US keyboard layout with additional keyboard shortcuts for diacritics (chữ cái có dấu), making it relatively easy for those familiar with a standard US keyboard. Polish uses Latin characters as well but requires a dedicated keyboard layout (układ klawiatury) that includes additional letters not available on the US International Keyboard (np. ą, ć, ł, ń, ś, ż, ź). Mandarin Chinese (普通话; Pǔtōnghuà) and Japanese (日本語; Nihongo) use a Romanization system, Pinyin (拼音) and Romaji (ローマ字), respectively, to transcribe the pronunciation of characters (汉字 [hàn zì] and 日本語の漢字 [Nihongo no kanji]). Pinyin and Romaji can be typed using the standard US keyboard and software, known as an input method editor (IME, 输入法) enabled on the computer or device then converts the text into the corresponding characters.
Korean, on the other hand, uses the Hangul script (한글) consisting of 24 letters based on the shape of the mouth and tongue when pronouncing sounds. Typing in Korean requires knowledge of the Hangul alphabet (알파벳) and the Korean keyboard layout (한국어 키보드 레이아웃). Arabic (اللغة العربية) and Urdu (اردو), written from right to left in a flowing cursive script, require a different approach. Typing in languages such as Hebrew (עברית), Bengali (বাংলা), Hindi (हिन्दी in Devanagari script), Punjabi (ਪੰਜਾਬੀ in Gurmukhi script), and Russian (Русский in Cyrillic) can bring new and exciting challenges! These languages have unique keyboard layouts and typing systems, which allows for a fascinating and enriching learning experience.
As we gaze upon the vastness of the universe and marvel at the multitude of stars, let us also appreciate the rich diversity of human language and communication. By embracing the differences in the way we express ourselves, we open up new avenues of understanding and appreciation for cultures beyond our own. So, let us embark on this exciting journey of exploration and discovery into new worlds, where we can experience unique and vibrant languages, each with its own keyboard layouts and typing systems, bridging gaps and fostering greater connections between people.
Tips, Tricks, and Tools for Multiple Language Input During Classroom Instruction
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.
For many non-latin script based languages including Arabic, Bengali, Hindi, Punjabi, & Urdu the following resource provides activities to language learners to learn to type in these languages:
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.
Introduction to Google Input Tools for World Language Educator
Introduction to Google Input Tools for World Language Educator
In today's increasingly interconnected world, effective communication in multiple languages is essential for fostering understanding and collaboration. Google Input Tools offers a powerful suite of resources designed to support world language educators and their students in overcoming language barriers. This tool allows users to type in various languages using different scripts and input methods, making it easier to engage with diverse texts and facilitate language learning.
For educators, Google Input Tools enhances classroom activities by seamlessly integrating multiple languages into lesson plans, assessments, and collaborative projects. Whether facilitating multilingual discussions, creating accessible materials, or encouraging students to express themselves in their target language, this tool proves invaluable.
Note on Using Google Input Tools in World Language Exams: Incorporating Google Input Tools into world language assessments can significantly improve test accessibility and equity. By allowing students to use their preferred input methods and scripts, educators can better gauge language proficiency without the limitations of typing barriers. This adaptability fosters a fair testing environment and leads to more accurate representations of students' abilities.
Important Note: Test takers signed into Chrome during the exam will see the Google Input Tools extension (keyboard icon) pinned to the toolbar. If they haven’t used it before, they’ll need to follow these steps to ensure the input tools function properly during the exam:
Click the extension icon and enable both:
Enable Fake Input Events
Enable Fake Composition Events
Click Extension Options to select and add the correct input tools (e.g., the appropriate language keyboard).
For students taking the Bengali and Urdu world language exams, Google Input Tools is an essential resource. It simplifies access to the necessary keyboards, which can be challenging to find on various operating systems. The tool offers flexible input options, including phonetic typing and a virtual keyboard that displays the characters, allowing students to type with greater ease and confidence. This support enhances their testing experience and helps ensure accurate representation of their language skills.
Bengali Google Input Tools Keyboard
Urdu Google Input Tools Keyboard
Adding Language Input Methods and Language Keyboard Layouts on Devices
Adding Language Input Methods and Language Keyboard Layouts on Devices
Window OS
Window OS
For languages that do not use the Latin script, the Interactive Language Resource Center also provides instructions on how to install keyboards on Windows computers for the following languages:
The process is the same for other languages including the following:
Bengali can be typed using the Bengali InScript keyboard provided by default when enabling the Bengali (India) language pack on Windows devices.
Hebrew can be typed using the Hebrew keyboard provided by default when enabling the Hebrew language pack on Windows devices.
Hindi can be typed using the Hindi InScript keyboard provided by default when enabling the Hindi language pack on Windows devices.
Polish can be typed using the Polish (programmers) keyboard provided by default when enabling the Polish language pack on Windows devices. The Polish programmers keyboard makes available special Polish letters via the AltGr key (right side Alt key) as follows: e → ę, n → ń, c → ć, x → ź, z → ż, s → ś, a → ą, o → ó, l → ł. On the writing section of the AVANT STAMP4S exam, the test will include a character box where the appropriate symbols and accented letters are included and can be clicked. https://avantassessment.com/writing-input-guide
Punjabi can be typed using the Punjabi Gurmukhi keyboard provided by default when enabling the Punjabi language pack on Windows devices.
Urdu can be typed using the Urdu keyboard provided by default when enabling the Urdu language pack on Windows devices.
The Vietnamese keyboard is an extended Latin QWERTY layout with letters ă, â, ê, and ô entered by pressing the number keys 1–4 on the US English keyboard and keys for 5–9 producing the tonal marks (grave accent, hook, tilde, acute accent and dot below, in that order), 0 producing đ, and brackets ([]) producing ư and ơ.
ChromeOS
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.
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.
For some languages such as Bengali and Urdu, the Chrome OS keyboard options may be limited to transliteration. In that case the Google Input Tools Chrome browser extension may be used. The option with the keyboard icon provides an on screen keyboard showing the mapping of characters to the keys. This on screen keyboard hovers over the screen and can be repositioned anywhere you prefer. Please note when utilizing the Google Input Tools browser extension with its own on-screen keyboard, it is recommended to disable the system OS on-screen keyboard.
To disable or turn off the system OS on-screen keyboard on a Chromebook, you can follow these steps:
Click on the system tray located in the bottom-right corner of the screen. It looks like a clock, Wi-Fi signal, and other icons.
Click on the gear-shaped "Settings" icon to open the Settings menu.
In the Settings menu, scroll down and click on the "Advanced" option to expand additional settings.
Scroll down further until you find the "Accessibility" section.
Click on "Keyboard" to access keyboard settings.
Look for the "On-screen keyboard" option and toggle it off. This will disable the system OS on-screen keyboard.
Once disabled, the system OS on-screen keyboard should no longer appear on your screen. You can still use the Google Input Tools browser extension's on-screen keyboard when needed.
Please note that the exact steps may vary slightly depending on your specific Chromebook model and the version of Chrome OS you are using.
MacOS
MacOS
For MacOS devices, the instructions for writing in another language can be found here: Write in another language on your Mac - Apple Support.
You may also find the Interactive Language Resource Center site helpful for the following languages:
Like Windows OS devices, the process for installing other language keyboard layouts on MacOS devices follows the same procedure as with the languages listed above.
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
In the window on the right, scroll down to the particular keyboard layout.
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
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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