Vista boost for Gaelic speakers

Vista will be the first Microsoft operating system in Gaelic

The new Microsoft Vista computer operating system is to be translated into Gaelic.

The web browser Opera and office suite OpenOffice have already been produced in the language.

But the translation will be the first time that a Microsoft operating system has been available to Gaelic speakers.

Once completed, the Gaelic version of Vista will be used in schools and universities to assist the teaching of the language.

A national consultation which will end on Friday invited Gaelic speakers to suggest the best terminology to make the program as user-friendly as possible.

The Gaelic Development Agency, Bord na Gaidhlig, welcomed the move, which it said was a major development in the learning and teaching of Gaelic.

Education Manager Rosemary Ward said: "The translation of Microsoft Vista into Gaelic is a major development in the promotion of the Gaelic language and will be an excellent learning and teaching tool.

"We look forward to hearing from as many people as possible as this is part of the Bord's strategy of involving the community in our work and the development of Gaelic."