Windows XP …Djan
So here it is, the long awaited Armenian language pack for Windows XP. If it can be implemented correctly, as has been planned in Armenian schools and government institutions, we should see an acceleration in development of software in the Armenian language.
It is quite a novelty to see desktop being called a “Seghan”, and “Meknarkel” doesn’t have quite the same ring as “start”. I think “Sksel” would have been better 
But I guess we should be using refined Armenian…
Why not have a go at installing it? It only takes a couple of minutes, and it’s easily removable. It’s here.
I’m curious to know how “Click here to begin” is translated (it appears when you hold your cursor over the Start button). Maybe “Kttatsru vor sksvi”?
Moreover, what I cannot understand is why some terms in the “Meknarkayin tchashatsutsak” (i.e., in the Start Menu) are not translated. How about the following (see the items in English above):
1. Notepad = tetrak;
2. Legend = Araspel (with the picture of Hayk&Bel or Tork Angegh instead of those ambiguous chess figures);
3. iTunes = ayMeghediner (while some may clearly prefer ayMughamner);
4. Audio Recorder for FREE = MUFTA dzainagrich or at least a more literary Anvtchar dzainagrich;
5. Windows Live Messenger = Patuhanneri Kendani Banagnats;
6. Reason = Patchar or, maybe, Drdapatchar ?
Also, while “Kapakcvel” may sound as a reasonable translation, Windows XP may contemplate creating a different version for a more virile stratum of the users with “Kapel” being the entry of choice. I realize that a differnt group of users may desire to see the “Kapnvel” instead …
Have a great day!
Comment by Varouj — 4/4/2007 @ 12:15 am
Lol, the untranslated parts are because the pack only translates INTERNAL windows command elements eg. control panel, menus, ok/cancel, etc. The other parts are all applications ( even notepad) which are not language specific, until software manufacturers bring out Armenian versions them ( unlikely )…
good suggestions though..specially the itunes, i think mine is definitely a mix between aymeghedi and aymugham, maybe ayYesImAmenInchElKa
Comment by Harmick — 4/7/2007 @ 1:22 am
Well, it is really nice to have windows in Armenian, yet the language does not really fit into a couple of formats.
1.Simplisity- I know Armenian is a rich language and has really fancy words, but not all of them are avalable to the large public.
2.Full transfer of meaning from English into Armenian, which sometimes cases associations of ridiculous manner. As we usually write in algorithmic schemes-instead of we write not , which has nothing to do with the real meaning. Instead of , it be more complete to have . I agree that the creators have tried to put the cleanest Armenian words, but they unfortunatly do not fit in meanings and direct translation sounds funny.
Comment by Tigran — 4/7/2007 @ 3:59 am
Who can translate this for me into Armenian?
“Thinking of you. Don’t disappear. Give me a call.”
Thanx!!!
Comment by Noel — 6/26/2007 @ 2:23 am