Graphite (SIL)

Graphite: Language Orthography Software

A learner-friendly software tool to adapt Latin script to new languages, designed by SIL International for language communities to create practical orthographies.

What is Graphite (SIL)?

Graphite is an open-source software tool developed by SIL International to help language communities use the Latin alphabet to write lesser-known regional and minority languages. It allows linguists, literacy workers, and community members to design practical orthographies, create pedagogical materials, and publish language data using a standard, Unicode-based encoding.

Some key features of Graphite include:

• An intuitive interface for designing orthographic rules and creating font builds tailored to specific languages.
• Options for community review and feedback on orthography proposals.
• Tools for quickly authoring literacy materials like ABC books and primers.
• Support for complex typographic requirements such as tone marking.
• Output of web-ready fonts and easy sharing of keyboard layouts.
• Seamless integration with SIL's lexicography software toolbox.

By taking care of the technical challenges of adapting the Latin script, Graphite makes it easier for language development organizations and local communities to focus on the linguistic aspects of promoting literacy. The goal is to accelerate the publication of materials in languages that have historically lacked access to digital communication technologies.

Graphite (SIL) Features

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