DLIA Dinka Unicode Keyboard Layout

How to type in Dinka (Thuɔŋjäŋ)

This keyboard layout was developed in conjunction with the Dinka Language Institute of Australia (DLIA). The keyboard layout is a Unicode based keyboard layout for Tavultesoft Keyman. The layout was designed for extensive typing in Dinka with limited typing in English. If you will be typing predominatley in English with occasional limited typing in Dinka, we would recommend using the Southern Sudanese Keyman keyboard layout.

Correct display of all Dinka letters requires Windows XP with Service Pack 2 installed. Dinka text will correctly display on older versions of Windows in Microsoft Ofifce 2003. For further information refer to http://www.openroad.net.au/languages/african/dinka/.

Normal

Shift

Right-Alt

Shift Right-Alt

Typing additional Dinka letters

Typing breathy vowels

1. To type a breathy vowel, type the vowel followed by the diaeresis key, which is the semi-colon/colon key on the standard US keyboard layout (a + ; = ä).
2. Short cuts for long breathy vowels: to type a long breathy vowel, it is possible to type the vowel then the diaresis key then retype the vowel and diaresis key (a + ; + a + ; = ää) . A quicker method, is to type the vowel twice then type the diaeresis key (a + a + ; = ää).

Caps Lock behaviour

The Caps Lock key toggles the keyboard between the Dinka keyboard layout and the US English keyboard layout. When Caps Lock is off, the Dinka layout is active. If Caps Lock is on the English US keyboard layout is active.

Fonts

The Doulos SIL font is installed with the Dinka keyboard layout. Additional fonts include:

• Charis SIL;
• AfRomanSerif;
• AfSans; and
• Gentium.

For information on installing fonts in Windows XP, please read the MyLanguage font installation guide.

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