Installing language packs on your computer can be a hassle, especially if you don't use those languages regularly. Fortunately, a number of online tools make it easy to write in non-Latin languages without the need to install anything.
This site has an impressive collection of non-Latin languages in its arsenal, including the most well-known ones:Arabic, Russian, and Chinese. It even includes little-known languages indigenous to North Africa like Coptic and Berber. With the arbitration program, you have an on-screen keyboard that you can click to type the words you want to type.
Not all languages are so simple. For Chinese speakers, you'll need to write syllables using the Pinyin table, while Japanese speakers must select from a dropdown menu of strokes and radicals.
An Arabic-only option, Yamli is a great choice for those looking to type in Arabic on their computers. Type the translated Arabic word in English, and Yamli will automatically detect what you are typing and convert it to Arabic. You can also search Arabic directly from Yamli and add the service to your site.
Arabic speakers using Yamli will probably already be familiar with the method of substituting numbers for Arabic letters that don't exist in English, and this will come in handy if you want Yamli to get it right the first time.
Google Translate also offers transliteration options for multiple languages, including Arabic, Amharic, Hebrew, and Russian. Just type in English and Google will convert it for you. It also has an on-screen keyboard available for typing in Armenian, Pashto, Yiddish, and more.
The great thing about Google Translate is that you can use your own handwriting in Google Translate for any language. Use the mouse on the computer or your finger on the phone to write the letters and words. Even if your handwriting isn't very good in that language, Google can detect the word and suggest various options based on your handwriting.
Do you have any tips or tricks for using foreign languages on your computer? Let us know in the comments.
