To be a digital, online language we might expect that various support tools are required, foundations if you like.
Languages need computer support, digital tools and from these a range of advances become possible. Without these tools and foundations then might languages struggle in an online world?
This is only a starting point, but we might well ask:
  • what is a digital language; and 
  • what might be necessary or sufficient to support a digital language?


As a simple example, unless a font exists that contain the basic character set of the language, computer user interfaces and applications in that language are not possible. Then we move on to spell checkers, grammar checkers and more advanced applications such as voice recognition and voice generation (text to speech).
Resources provided through or under the Welsh Language Commissioner’s office can be found here. Other relevant links can be found below in this list of requirements for a digital language. This is not an exhaustive list by any means.
Fundamentals


Utility


  • Application support
  • Applications User Interface (UI)
  • OS UI
  • Application support: spellcheck, grammar check, etc. ( link)


Internet


Advanced and Research

  • Advanced Apps/research areas
    • Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
    • Speech Recognition (command, control, transcription, translation – see list below – no Welsh Language support)
    • Translation: https://translate.google.co.uk/#en/cy 
    • ID/Biometric speech recognition
    • Text To Speech (TTS)
    • Font support for archaic language versions


So, easy huh!
In addition a lively culture and ecology of digital artists, performers, coders and hacktivists might be nice. One day.
Events


Further reading:

Wales – languages technology portal: http://techiaith.org/?lang=en

The making of a digital language?