Commitment to cultural diversity

Northern Sami Completed, Opera Released in 42 Languages

Oslo, Norway - Jan 14, 2003

Opera Software today released Opera 6.05 for Windows in a language version for Northern Sami, the most widely-spoken of the Sami languages.

Opera may only be the Web's third most popular browser, but it's certainly the most translated browser of the "Top Three". Opera 6.05 for Windows has been released in 42 languages, compared to 25 for Internet Explorer, and just 23 for Netscape⁽¹⁾.

"Our most treasured cultural heritage is our language, and we want to provide that little extra help that smaller linguistic groups need to prosper as a cultural entity in an electronic information age," says Jon S. von Tetzchner, CEO, Opera Software ASA. "As globalization and electronic communication accelerates, providing software in local languages is extremely important. With today's release we celebrate the Sami heritage, and help lower the barrier to using the Web for the Sami people."

The Sami community is excited about getting a browser in their own language.

"Neither the government nor businesses have seriously addressed Sami needs in software development. Now a Norwegian software company demonstrates that support for Sami languages in applications is foremost a question of trying. Opera's Sami browser is an important contribution in bringing visibility to the Sami language," says Sven-Roald Nysto, president of the Sami parliament. "I hope today's occasion is a first step in a development where the IT industry actively contributes in maintaining the Sami languages. Increased use of Sami on the Internet is crucial for the future of our language."

Preserving cultural diversity online is one of Opera's core values; fleshed out in the guiding principles for the company. Read more about Opera's vision.

Download the language file for Opera 6.05 for Windows in Northern Sami from our download pages.

Editor's Note:
(1) Source of number of translated versions of Internet Explorer and Netscape:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/worldwide/ie6sp1downloads.asp
http://wp.netscape.com/intl/download/?cp=dowint

About Opera Software ASA

The worldwide World Wide Web — any device, any platform, any bandwidth, absolutely anywhere in the world. Opera Software was founded in 1994, based on the idea that access to the web should be a universal right. 250 million people (and counting) use the Opera web browsers for computers, mobile phones, TVs and other connected devices. Opera also delivers tools, distribution, engagement, monetization and market insights to developers, publishers and brands around the world. We are passionate about breaking down barriers, so everyone can share in the power of the internet. Our vision of one web for all remains at the heart of what we do, because we believe that participation changes everything. Opera Software ASA is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OPERA. ‘Opera’, ‘Opera Software’, ‘Opera Mini’ and the ‘O’ logo are trademarks of Opera Software ASA. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Learn more about Opera at www.opera.com.