FAQ
In the following, it is important to understand that we have two kinds of users. One, which we will call the adviser, is somewhat computer savvy and uses a normal full powered computer, perhaps with lexicon for the programs like FieldWorks Language Explorer, Lexique Pro, or Toolbox. The other person, who we will just call the user, is the person running WeSay to enter data in his or her own language.
How do I translate the User Interface into a local language?
WeSay is easy to "localize". See the instructions here: LocalizingWeSay.
What does it take to run the software?
WeSay currently runs on Windows XP, Vista, and (probably) Windows 2000. It requires Microsoft .Net Framework 2.0. We are working on a Linux version. We aim to have it work well on the One-Laptop-Per-Child boxes and the Asus Eeee PC (approx US$400).
How will WeSay exchange data with "full strength" desktop applications (e.g. FieldWorks Language Explorer)?
WeSay uses the LIFT format to store files. This can be read by Lexique Pro and FieldWork Language Explorer. It can export to Toolbox format.
Will it run on the Mac?
It looks like this will become a possibility in the future, if there is demand.
What programming language are you using to create this software?
We are using .Net (on windows) with mono (on Linux) with Windows Forms GUI. Our primary language is c#, but people could contribute elements or build plugins/extensions in any .net language, which includes C++, VB, Python, Ruby, etc.
Are you developing on Windows and then transferring it to Linux?
Yes.
Will WeSay be able to handle my complex script situation?
That’s the plan. On Windows, WeSay uses Uniscribe. We've developed MultiScribe for those who need Graphite to render complex scripts. The user interface, which will be easily localizable without recompiling, can also use Graphite. So you can have a user interface in the national language which itself is a complicated complex non-Roman script, even if that script is not commercially interesting enough to be supported by such things as Window’s Uniscribe.
How is this licensed?
WeSay Code is released under two open source licenses:
Where our code talks to GPL'd code from other sources, we are forced to release those portions of our code also under GNU General Public License. In all other cases, WeSay code is available under the permissive MIT License.
If you are just using the software, you don't need to care about these details. Just know that it is free to everyone.
