The free and open source web browser Mozilla announced at the beginning of February that the Internet browser Firefox will soon be available in Quechua, a native South American language that is spoken in the Andes. Today approximately 4 million people speak Quechua in Peru, according to estimates.
On its Peruvian blog, Mozilla announced that everyone who speak or write this language can join the
project since the translation is crowdsourced. On one hand, Mozilla pointed out that there is little content available in Quechua on the internet and this has a negative impact on knowledge and communication, as a result of the limited access to computers, Internet and electricity. On the other hand, Mozilla underlined the fact that the voices of the Quechua speakers can’t be heard worldwide.
In other words, the lack of the content available in their mother tongue reduces the chances for Quechua speakers to make the most of Internet and improve their lives. With that in mind, Mozilla is now partnering with a community called Runasimipi, a project to create open software in Quechua (also known as Runasimi). Thenextweb.com reports that the goal of this partnership is to progressively create three language packs in Quechua, a basic version, a full one and a Firefox Mobile pack.
In Runasimipi’s manifesto it is underlined the fact that the main goal is to promote digital inclusion and democratize Internet access while making sure that Quechua remains relevant.
However, we declare that Runasimi is a rich language that can be utilized in all contexts, including in technology. Runasimi represents not only a tremendous cultural and linguistic reserve, but is also a living language necessary for the Andean future. We want everyone to value Runasimi not only as the language “of the Incas”, but also as the language of today which is very adaptable with rich
expression.”
