Tibetan title

Tibetan Portal

Software tools, language resources, and descriptions
on current Tibetan information technology.
Maintained by Christopher E. Walker.
Last updated on August 17, 2006.

Noteworthy sites:

Tibetan Computing Subjects:

-- June 6, 2007 --
The Tibetan Portal is now being migrated to a weblog format in both English and Tibetan languages. I am planning on having more of my random thoughts, suggestions, and even webcasts on Tibetan computing issues. And now you can leave comments and questions there! Please bookmark this homepage root page, as my web pages lower down the line will likely shift locations as the dust settles.

-- May 28, 2006 --
Go to the instructional page of Mac OS X Unicode Tibetan keyboards to download both Wylie and Dzongkha input methods!

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The current focus of this site is on Tibetan Unicode, though I do discuss some software that uses legacy fonts.  Currently, I am working on PC and Mac OS X keyboard methods for Tibetan Unicode, on Tibetan language subtitles for DVDs, on instant-chat for Tibetan, and on general anthropological research.  I am also working with the IU Linux User Group to have Tibetan support built within a custom-made distribution.

  1. Lhasa Verbs Geoff Bailey and I have been working on a multimedia dictionary of colloquial Tibetan Verbs for some time.  Murray Sherk has put together a stand-alone CD program that is available with the hardcover book.  Plesae visit the website of the project at www.lhasaverbs.org for more information.

    I have put together a browser-driven interface with less functionality than the stand-alone PC software, but it can be viewed cross-platform (on a Mac, for example).  Please check out a demo of the web-module which starts at the first letter ka, and also check out this working section on verbal arguments.  This online version only covers the first two letters of the Tibetan alphabet, while the CD has all the data.
  2. Fonts Under Construction.
  3. Font Conversion Under Construction.
  4. Keyboards Keyboards methods should optimally let you type Tibetan Unicode in any program.  That is, the keyboard method should reside at the system level where it can interface with any application. For Windows, straight-forward system keyboards have been built, such as the Dzongkha Unicode keyboard. However, more involved input methods, such as Extended Wylie, often require intermediary software to work.

    I have made four Tibetan Unicode keyboards for use with Keyman 6.0 or higher.  If you haven't already, you must first install Keyman runtime from Tavultesoft's website.  Once Keyman is installed, you should download this zipped file which has the different keyboards to add in (the files which end with the extension '.kmx').  The most popular is probably the Extended Wylie (EWTS) which follows the specifications outlined by THDL.  My older Keyman files on THDL are quite out of date, and these versions fix several errors.  Importantly, version 1.8+ now supports different keyboard hardware (such as those used in France).

    I have also included keyboard layouts that which the systems of Sambhota keymap #1 and #2 (the input system, not the fonts), as well as the Founder (Fangzhen) method. 

    Apple
    I have had luck making
    Tibetan Unicode Keyboards for Mac OS 10.3+ using an Apple specified XML scheme.  I have two keyboards, one for EWTS Wylie and one for Dzongka.

    Also, check out the blog site by zonble on Tibetan Input for Mac OS X, where you can see find details on a separate Dzongkha keyboard made with XML, and also details on ways you can get Sambhota and TCC keyboards working on your Mac.
  5. Instant Messaging Under Construction.
  6. Subtitled DVDs Under Construction.

Contact me at chrisemail circletibetanportal.com or message me on AIM, username puntsok2000.