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Short URL: http://scripts.sil.org/NamdhinggoSIL
Namdhinggo SIL
Limbu Unicode font
Font in Development
The Namdhinggo SIL Unicode font for the Limbu script is still in development. Computer systems do not currently completely support the Limbu script. For that reason we don't feel confident releasing the font as a final product. However, we believe the font is useful in its present state and thus we are releasing it as a "Font in Development". See the README.txt file for contact information.
The custom-encoded font Namdhinggo SIL L remains available for use.
Introduction
Conversion
Keyboarding
Font
Rendering Issues
Feedback
Supported character ranges
License
Downloads
Support
Introduction
The Limbu, or Kirat Sirijonga, script is used by around 400,000 people in Nepal and India. This Unicode-encoded font has been designed to support literacy and materials development in the Limbu language.
According to traditional histories the Limbu script was developed by King Sirijonga in the 9th Century. It then fell out of use before being reintroduced in the 18th century by Teongsi Sirijonga (1704-1741) whom many felt to be the reincarnation of the first Sirijonga. The modern Sirijonga was apparently martyred in 1741 for the sake of this script by lamas in Sikkim. The script was named 'Sirijonga' in his honour by the Limbu scholar Iman Singh Chemjong.
Conversion
If you have existing data using the Namdhinggo SIL L font and wish to convert your data to Unicode you may use the TECkit mapping file (available from downloads). SILConverters 3.1.1 can be used with this mapping file to convert documents (text or Word) to Unicode. Since Namdhinggo SIL L used an encoding that is common among other fonts for the script it is possible that this mapping file will work for texts using those custom-encoded Limbu fonts.
The other TECkit mapping file gives the ability to convert between Unicode-encoded Devanagari script and Unicode-encoded Limbu script.
Keyboarding
Two separate MSKLC (Windows-only) keyboards are provided.
- The keyboard uses a Romanized layout, where the Limbu characters are located on the corresponding Latin keys (Limbu U+1901 LIMBU LETTER KA is on the 'k' key, etc).
- is the "Typewriter" layout, which roughly matches the layout of a manual Devanagari typewriter.
Font
Rendering Issues
This font makes use of the OpenType smart font technology. At this time, there is little (or no) support for the Limbu script in commercial rendering systems. One implication is that the OpenType implementation in the font is not optimal. For that reason we are keeping the font as a Font in Development.
Namdhinggo SIL has been tested on Windows 7 to work with the following applications:
- Adobe InDesign CS5
- Internet Explorer 9
- Microsoft Publisher 2010
Mozilla Firefox- Mozilla Thunderbird
- Notepad
- Scribus 1.4.0
- XeTeX
Additionally, the font does not render correctly in1:
- AbiWord 2.8.6
- Google Chrome
- LibreOffice
- Microsoft Word 2010
- Safari
Feedback
Feedback is welcome. A small sample text is provided in the downloads section for testing purposes. The README.txt file in the font download gives a contact address for providing feedback.
Supported character ranges
License
The Namdhinggo SIL font is released under the SIL Open Font License,
version 1.1. Copyright (c) 2002-2009, SIL International ( http://www.sil.org/), with Reserved Font
Names "Namdhinggo" and "SIL".
Downloads
| Font | |||
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If you are uncertain what to do with a .zip file, see Decompression Utilities, Downloading & Installation Tips. Within the archive is the font file and documentation. This font can be installed using standard font installation procedures for the given operating-system platform. Note that certain applications may not see the new font immediately. You may have to quit and restart the application for the font to become available. |
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| Keyboards | |||
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Download and unzip the zip file to an easy-to-remember location on your hard drive (if you are uncertain what to do with a .zip file, see Decompression Utilities, Downloading & Installation Tips). Navigate to where you unzipped your download, go to the limbutyp folder and double-click on setup.exe. You may need to click on to agree to install the program and to complete the installation. You may also need to reboot before the keyboard is available for use. The keyboard layout (Limbu typewriter keyboard chart.pdf) is available from the same folder. Because Windows does not support Limbu, this keyboard has been associated with the language and can be accessed by selecting that language from the language bar. |
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Download and unzip the zip file to an easy-to-remember location on your hard drive (if you are uncertain what to do with a .zip file, see Decompression Utilities, Downloading & Installation Tips). Navigate to where you unzipped your download, go to the limbu11 folder and double-click on setup.exe. You may need to click on to agree to install the program and to complete the installation. You may also need to reboot before the keyboard is available for use. The keyboard layout (Limbu keyboard chart v1.1.pdf) is available from the same folder. Because Windows does not support Limbu, this keyboard has been associated with the language and can be accessed by selecting that language from the language bar. |
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| Data Conversion | |||
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Compiled and uncompiled TECkit conversion tables are included here. The one maps data using the Namdhinggo SIL L custom-encoded font to Unicode. The mapping file gives the ability to convert between Devanagari script and Limbu script. These maps can be used with either TECkit and/or SILConverters 3.1.1. |
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| Sample text for testing purposes | |||
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This download provides a sample Limbu text for testing purposes. The text itself is the Limbu equivalent to "The Boy Who Cried Wolf". Files provided are: .txt, .htm and .pdf. | ||
Support
As these fonts and utilities are distributed at no cost, we are unable to provide a commercial level of personal technical support. We will, however, try to resolve problems that are reported to us.
We do hope that you will report problems so they can be addressed in future releases. Even if you are not having any specific problems, but have an idea on how this system could be improved, we want to hear your ideas and suggestions.
Please note that these fonts are intended for use by experienced computer users. Installing and using these fonts is not a trivial matter. The most effective technical support is usually provided by an experienced computer user who can personally sit down with you at your computer to troubleshoot the problem.
General troubleshooting information, including frequently asked questions, can be found in the documentation. Additional information is also available on the general Font FAQ page. If that fails to answer your question you can contact us at:
User Support
SIL International
Non-Roman Script Initiative
7500 W. Camp Wisdom Rd.
Dallas, TX 75236
USA
Email:
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