Llengua catalana i informàtica: una actualització

Resum

Computers and languages are to a certain extent liked together since computer use is by nature goal-oriented and practical. In this sense, language planning needs to take into account what language will be used in computer applications in order to attain full normalization. Despite its being a slow process, there has been important progress in the spread of Catalan in computer media: the establishing of a specialized terminology, the number of publications, the adaptation into Catalan of software and hardware, and so on. In this sense, the 322/1992 Decree of the Generalitat allowed for the progressive introduction of computers in the bodies related to autonomous Administration. On the other hand, a policy of financial support has also been launched to promote the language normalization both for hardware and software products, a program in which a good number of local businesses and multinational firms have participated. It is necessary, on the other hand, to put more emphasis on certain aspects regarding language planning: to regulate the processes of packaging, labeling, writing of the instructions, installation and runnning of the computer products, to design a program of linguistic engineering for the Catalan language, to adapt multimedia technology to the teaching field, and so on. Only with this kind of measures will it be possible to spread the use of Catalan in computer applications, both at the level of home users and in more professionalized spheres (business, education, public administration).