How to Type in Sinhalese
English to Sinhalese (සිංහල) typing is possible by using our online Sinhalese typing app. It converts English to Sinhalese easily by using pc keyboard or mobile phone. This is with the help of Google free translation. After typing in English, press the keyboard Space or Enter button, so that the English word will be converted into Sinhalese instantly. All this will happen in real time.
For example: After writing each word, pressing space will convert the whole word. The whole sentence will not be converted at once. For Example, On typing “tume keunthu?”: will convert to “ତୁମେ କେଉଁଠୁ?” Font will also change to Sinhalese.
In case there is a spelling mistake, then by pressing the Backspace button, you can select the most appropriate word from the list that will appear and enter it. This makes typing easy and quick.
Sinhalese Typing Tips
- Type normally using keyboard and make use spacebar after typing each word which will convert text to Sinhalese and this process is called transliteration. Here Sinhalese pronounced words are written in English and focus is entirely on the sounds of the language.
- Transliteration process is used for several languages around the world and is different from translation as its dependent upon sound of language.
- While writing you may like to have both English and regional language in final transcript. Use “Ctrl G” command, this switch language as written without making change after pressing “Space” button. Press “Ctrl G” command, again to continue with transliteration.
- After writing, you can copy, print, Gmail your texts with click of button.
- While typing from English to Sinhalese in desktop mode a drop down list of suggestions will appear when you use Backspace button and from there you can select from one most matching word. While in mobile mode all word suggestion will appear on top horizontal row from where you can select precise word suitable for written text.
About Sinhalese Language
Sinhalese (also known as Sinhala) is the primary language spoken by the Sinhalese people, the largest ethnic group in Sri Lanka. With a rich history that dates back over two millennia, it is one of the two official languages of Sri Lanka, alongside Tamil. Sinhalese has evolved from a blend of ancient languages, with its roots in Indo-Aryan languages brought to Sri Lanka by settlers around the 5th century BCE.
Origin and Historical Development
The origins of Sinhalese can be traced to the early Indo-Aryan settlers who arrived in Sri Lanka from northern India. These settlers brought with them a form of Sanskrit-influenced vernacular, which gradually diverged from other Indo-Aryan languages over time.The earliest recorded use of the language is found in inscriptions dating back to the 3rd century BCE.
Number of Speakers
Sinhalese is spoken by approximately 17 million people, primarily in Sri Lanka. It is the mother tongue of around 75% of the country’s population and is the first language of most Sinhalese people. It is also used by a significant number of people in the diaspora, particularly in countries like Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, where Sri Lankan communities reside.
Script and Writing Systems
Sinhalese uses its own unique script, known as the Sinhala script (සිංහල අකුරු), which is derived from the ancient Brahmi script, a writing system used in South Asia from the 3rd century BCE. The Sinhala script is an alphasyllabary, meaning it combines both alphabetic and syllabic components. This script consists of a set of consonants and vowels, with additional characters for conjunct consonants and various diacritics to modify the pronunciation.s.
Dialects: There are several regional dialects of Sinhalese, reflecting the country’s diverse geography and cultural variations. These dialects can be broadly categorized into:
Western Dialects: Spoken around Colombo and the western coastal region, these dialects are considered more standard and are commonly used in urban settings.- Southern Dialects: Spoken in the southern parts of Sri Lanka, these dialects feature distinct phonetic characteristics, such as differences in vowel sounds.
- Central Dialects: Found in the central highlands, these dialects often exhibit unique pronunciations and vocabulary influenced by the mountainous terrain.
Despite the variations, the core structure of Sinhalese remains consistent, and speakers of different dialects can generally understand each other without significant difficulty.
Phonology
Sinhalese has a distinctive phonological system with a variety of vowel and consonant sounds. The language has eight vowel sounds (which include long and short variants) and thirty consonant sounds, including retroflex and palatal consonants. This variety makes Sinhalese particularly rich in sound contrasts.
Cultural and Linguistic Significance
Sinhalese is a dynamic and historical language, deeply tied to the culture and identity of the Sinhalese people. With its unique script, phonology, and rich dialectical variations, it continues to thrive as a living language that reflects both ancient traditions and contemporary influences. It is a vital part of Sri Lanka’s heritage and plays a central role in the daily lives of millions of people.