06-16-2009, 02:41 AM

Hi Guys,

I am new to mac using a macbook pro OS 10.5.7 (Leopard).

Is there a way to change language only for a specific application so that when i switch back and forth between applications each one will remember the language I use in it?

For example - I do a lot of translations in Microsoft Word where I type in English, then I go to skype or Firefox and I am typing in cyrillic.... and then when I go back to Word or the Dictionary I want them to remember that I am using English there without having to switch languages!!!

It might sound silly to some of you, but the lack of this feature in my mac, that I am so used to from Windows, actually is cause of much frustration in my work as I constantly have to go back and redo work that i didn't notice i typed in the wrong language. It just takes a lot from my concentration resources to think about what language am i in now! The little icon up top doesn't help - I just want to be able to work uninterrupted...

Otherwise - a happy newbie to Mac :-)
Thanks!

06-16-2009, 03:01 AM

Two issues:

1. Yes, you can specify a language per application, simply by deactivating the other languages in the application bundle. But the application language won't affect the input language, so you'd get cyrillic menus but still be typing in english.

2. The input language switcher should work application-specific. But it wouldn't surprise me if Word has issues with the system language switcher. Alternatively I'd recommend you set up an easy keyboard shortcut to switch between the two.

06-17-2009, 03:39 AM

Thank you for your reply.

However, I must have not explained my problems well. I never use any other menus other than English! My issue is entirely connected to changing input language in different applications. I am typing in English to you now (or at least with English alphabet :-) and if I went BACK to my email I want to be able to continue typing in cyrillic without changing input language with the Apple key + Space, which is my shortcut. Thank you for that suggestion - I do use it, couldn't do without it.

I read your advice again and perhaps my issue actually sounds a lot like the second you describe... See, with any problems I always blame Word first! However, this is not the case here. I could be typing an email in Mail, searching in safari//firefox, or the dictionary... each of these applications assumes the latest change of input language, and when i go back to that application i find myself ever surprised that the language is not where I left it....

Thank you for any further suggestions you may have :-)

06-17-2009, 05:56 AM

Hmm, you're right. I could have sworn that 10.4 used to do things the way Windows did...

But it looks as though there's tool available that should restore the behaviour you're after:
InputSwitcher: Different input source for each application on Leopard

It'll only work with Cocoa applications though from the look of things.

06-18-2009, 01:32 AM

Thank you for your quick reply. It will take me some time before I can post feedback, because I already spent a great deal of time trying to install the SIMBL a few months ago when I wanted to get a new tab button for Safari... and i was unsuccessful. I have planned a meeting with a friend who might be able to help me. Then I will install the inputswitcher and hope it works :-)

In any event, thank you, because your suggestion offers exactly what i need :-))))))

I believe its safe to consider the issue resolved.

P.S. I still can't get over the fact that many applications in Apple don't need installation, but just to paste them in the Application folder and they work!!! Just amazing! :-))

06-18-2009, 02:07 AM

I couldn't help it and tried again before seeking help! This time SIMBL was installed miraculously how?! I also copied the InputSwitcher files as per instructions and it WORKS!!!

Thank you so much!!! БЖДКОЮЙВ......... :-)