Apache OpenOffice (AOO) Bugzilla – Issue 38765
Allow a choice of localised function names
Last modified: 2014-02-25 19:46:06 UTC
If a user makes use of a localised version of OOo in a country where many different versions may be present it becomes problematic using the application if the function names have been localised. Eg in the Afrikaans version SUM is translated as SOM. For a user who regularly has to use the Spreadsheet in English then swap to Afrikaans they will not be able to enter =SUM if they do they get an error. This is especially problematic with MS Excel users using the Afrikaans interface and used to the English funtiuon names. Suggested corrections: 1) Allow localised function names to coexist alongside the English. Ie entering =SUM or =SOM would both be valid. 2) Allow a user to select what localised version of the function names they would like to use. Thus selecting an Afrikaans GUI but English function names.
Hi Bettina, 1 4 u Frank
This is a very important issue for me. As a rather hardcore spreadsheet user, I have the english function names in my fingertips. Also, the english names makes it much easier to discuss methods and techniques across country (language) borders. Although I understand that spreadsheets may be easier to create for beginners, if function names are in their own language, there are very big advantages to users like me if we can choose english names. I've browsed through the binary code and I've seen that both english and danish (in my case) function names exist in the code. And I really can't see that it could be a big issue for the programmers to enable both languages. The only reason why you shouldn't enable english&local function names is that a function in one language could block for a function in the other language. But I'd see the problem before I start to solve it. The issue is important. It may very well be a determining factor in my future choice of spreadsheet.
*** Issue 66189 has been marked as a duplicate of this issue. ***
I agree, this would be a very nice enhancement... Gerco-Kees
I like this idea!
I would not allow both, localized and English, at the same time, as you would have to make sure for every localization that there are no duplicated names with different functionality between those two languages. However, a setting to use either English or localized function names could probably be helpful in some cases.
Just to give notice that since DEV300_M2 there's an experimental setting that allows to use English formulas when an environment variable OOO_CALC_USE_ENGLISH_FORMULAS was set to Yes prior to having started the executable. See also http://wiki.services.openoffice.org/wiki/Environment_Variables#Environment_variables_for_users
Eike: thats not very good solution :( usually people are used only to English function names, not decimal separator.
*** Issue 91569 has been marked as a duplicate of this issue. ***
I'm using french UI, on MacOS X. I've set the environment variable OOO_CALC_USE_ENGLISH_FORMULAS as described. With OOo 3.1.1 (310m19 Build 9420), it doesn't work at all. With StarOffice 9.0.1 (300m15 Build 9379), it works partially. Some functions are shown in english, other are shown in french. In my opinion, the environment variable feature is not a good one. A better solution would to have a check box "Display formulas in English" in the Calc preferences.
I've done additional test with this variable set in OpenOffice, french version. a) In a cell, I start to type "=SO" --> The autocompletion displays "SOMME()". Then I click return, and I can enter values. When finished, I click return. And the cell display "#NOM ?" NOTE : autocompletion is weird : it seems to not working for all functions. b) In cell, I start to type a formula in english : "SUM". Here, no autocompletion. But the formula is working. c) If the formula has the same name in french and in english, it works (ABS for example). c) When using wizard, I see only the formula in UI language, i.e. french. Same behavior as in a) if a select a function. I hope this will clarify.
As Myjl said, a checkbox in the Calc preferences is a good solution. I think that repeating the same checkbox in the formula chooser would help.
I just implemented a choice of localized and English function names in go-oo. I can proceed with upstreaming if it's okay with everyone.
Hi Kohei, Thanks for that. But what is "go-oo" ? Thanks Jean-Luc
@Jean-Luc: http://go-oo.org/ :-)
@kohei: yes, please proceed in a CWS. Any spec for details? e.g., what happens if function names are not translated for a specific localization, is that somehow reflected in the UI?
Hello Eike, >Any spec for details? A spec will be forth-coming. I'll create a cws for this soon once I clear with other tasks. >e.g., what happens if function names are not translated for a specific localization, is that somehow reflected in the UI? Right now I don't make that distinction. But I'm open to suggestions in this area.
Hi Kohei, I mentioned because users might be confused if there is such an option and function names are not translated in their localization. Assuming the dialog has a check box "Use English function names instead of localized ones" or similar, a one-time check could disable the check box forever if all function names are identical. The check would have to be redone if the UI language is switched. On the other hand, a tip help and online help entry might just be sufficient (IMHO it would), maybe UX has an opinion on this. Btw, only function names should be affected, not separators as it is the case with the experimental OOO_CALC_USE_ENGLISH_FORMULAS environment variable. Eike
Hi Eike, I agree on both points. I'll make sure they are both covered when I upstream this feature.
Any chance this makes it into 3.3?
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*** Issue 108409 has been marked as a duplicate of this issue. ***
*** Issue 109204 has been marked as a duplicate of this issue. ***