Tips For Typing Indigenous Language

OVERVIEW

Many First Nations and Inuit written languages (orthographies) include characters that are not available on the standard English keyboard. This document includes the following tips to improve typing accuracy, consistency and ease with a focus on hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (Musqueam, Downriver dialect) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) written languages. 

1. Use the right font 

2. Copy and paste from a credible source document 

3. Use a language specific online keyboard 

DETAILS

1. Use the right font 

• For most applications, use Arial, SFU’s recommended system font. This is available on all managed devices.  

• For marketing collateral and branded communications use November or Lava, SFU’s recommended licensed standard fonts. For more information see the SFU Brand Guidelines.  

2. Copy and paste from a credible source document 

This method is ideal when digital documents are produced by someone familiar with typing Indigenous language. Typically, these documents use fonts with adequate language support such as Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, Aboriginal Sans, Aboriginal Serif and BC Sans. 

When copying from a source document, ensure the text is as the author intended.  

Closely inspect pasted text to ensure it is the same as the source document. Pay special attention to the placement of symbols around characters. Double check the font being used in your target document is correct (see point 1 above).

3. Use a language-specific online keyboard 

If copying and pasting is not an option or unsuccessful, try using an online keyboard.  

Keyman is a recognized online keyboard resource endorsed by FirstVoices.com, a collaborative platform that contains over 100 Indigenous language keyboards as well as keystroke guides to help input specific characters, symbols and character combinations. 

Visit the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ online keyboard and keystroke guide.  

Visit the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim online keyboard and keystroke guide. 

If copying and pasting from a source document into your target document is unsuccessful, try these steps: 

1. Copy from the source document into the appropriate online keyboard. 

2. Click the copy button on the online keyboard. 

3. Paste into your target document.  

To input text directly without copying and pasting, use the online keyboard in conjunction with the appropriate language keystroke guide. When complete click the copy button on the online keyboard then paste into your target document.  

Keyman is available on multiple platforms including mobile application on iOS and Android.