Typing in Harari (Ḣarari / ሐረሪ)
We have developed a series of keyboard layouts for Microsoft Windows and are developing solutions for Linux. The keyboard layouts are Unicode based keyboard layouts.
There are two types of Harari keyboards. The first type are based on an orthography using the Latin Script. This keyboard layout was designed for the Harari language schools in Melbourne, Australia, who have adopted the sue of the Latin script to taech the young Harari children the Harari language.
The second type of keyboard layout uses the Geez (or Ethiopic) script. Key sequences are beased on the Latin orthography, allowing children who know the latin orhtography to type the Geez (Ethiopic) characters.
Microsoft Windows
We have used two different keyboard layout development tools to create Harari Unicode keyboards. We've used Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator (MSKLC) and Tavultesoft Keyman Developer. The MSKLC keyboard layout has been designed for the Latin orthography. There are two Keyman keyboard layouts, one for the Latin orhtography, and another for the Ethiopic orthography.
Tavultesoft Keyman
Tavultesoft Keyman allows us to develop and provide a range of flexible keyboard layouts. Keyman is a commercial product. Keyman works best on Windows 2000 and Windows XP, but can be used with Unicode keyboard layouts on older versions of Windows. Please check Keyman's FAQ on Unicode support.
Go to http://www.tavultesoft.com/keyman/ for more information on Keyman.
- Download and install Tavultesoft Keyman
- Download and install your preferred Harari keyboard layout for Keyman.
The following layouts and help files are available:
- Harari (Latin) keyboard layout
- Harari (Geez - Ethiopic) keyboard layout
- How to use the Latin and Geez/Ethiopic keyboard layouts
Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator (MSKLC)
This tool allows use to create a keyboard layout that can be installed on Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
Linux
We are currently testing Harari keyboard layouts on Ubuntu Linux. We have developed xkb based layouts as well as porting the Windows Keyman source files to Linux to use with Keyboard Mapping for Linux (KMFL) and SCIM. Please contact us for further information on Linux solutions for Harari.