A new chapter dawned for GEON when we were introduced to localisation, something whose paramount importance was not entirely understood or appreciated in the beginning. It was often mistaken with translation, but a few good people helped us distinguish between the two. This was a part of the Kannada Rajyotsava Localisation Sprint 2017 recognized from 15th October to 16th November, organised by Free Software Movement Karnataka.
Chinmayee, Chandan and myself were part of a team which also constituted of volunteers from GLUE GLUG and the RIT GLUG. We were guided by the good folks of FSMK who go by the screen names @voidspacexyz @dharshan @frogstercess @yogi_ks.
Having learnt quite a few things about localisation, we resolved to put our knowledge to good use. So, fueled by the positive vibes, we started to localize by translating GNU articles to Kannada using Zanata.
A participatory localisation activity was conducted at GLUG level by us. Although the numbers were fair, or so to speak, the activity resulted in ending up with some good material.
The GLUE and RIT GLUGs conducted both institutional and GLUG level activities in collaboration. One such event was conducted at CKS High School. But, not having attended the events, I cannot speculate on them.
On 1st November, the eve of Kannada Rajyotsava, a programme was organised at Government Engineering College, Hassan, titled Anuvadotsava2k17 aimed towards creating awareness and motivating more enthusiasts to take up localisation. It was another great learning experience for us.
On 7th November, we conducted a programme and activity at Hassan Public School. It was the 2nd school that the team visited as a part of the localisation sprint. With around 180 students, who engaged in localisation by translating Wikipedia articles and participating in a fun activity, the programme reflected good progress.
Looking back at what we’ve done, wondering ‘what could have been better?’ or ‘what had gone wrong?’ is the kind of behavior embedded in human nature. But there is one question that has been on my mind for quite some time now. While GEON is an open-hardware GLUG, is it possible to localize hardware or electronics? If so, how? This is probably something we have to look into and appreciate advise on.
The above mentioned programmes are a product of team effort, but individual contributions can’t be overlooked. Many of the volunteers have engaged in localisation and made contributions in their own right. We can hope that these good deeds continue without falter or hindrance because localisation isn’t a day’s work, it is a journey with a positive goal.
I might stray slightly off topic if I mention the age old ‘British English or American English’ debate. The whole “hood-bonnet” thing. But when it comes to mentioning public roads, the Commonwealth call it “Highway” while the Americans have localised it to call it “Freeway”. On this instance you can’t help but agree with the Americans that freeway sounds and probably is more appropriate.
I would rather embark on this journey on a “Free-as-in-freedom way” and hope for a brighter, safer and better future, than anything else. (I apologize for being a little too cheesy at the end, but then again, that’s the way it is.)
by Daniyal Mujahid
GEON 