Image: GovNews.
As we type this article, our Microsoft Word is loaded with red squiggly lines every time we write the word ‘Canberran’.
It’s the colloquial demonym (Microsoft Word doesn’t even recognise this one!) to describe a denizen of Australia’s capital Canberra, which can be traced back in official records as far back as 1919, but the fact that it isn’t recognised by spell check software is a headache for those living there and anyone who wants to type it.
They might think it unfair that the word ‘Melbournian’ gets a free pass from Microsoft Word’s spell check feature, but Canberrans are fighting for their place in the list of descriptors that the globally used program recognises.
And it may not be as colloquial as it may have been, as the word has been included in the latest edition of the Australian National Dictionary, whose Centre staff said they were ‘especially pleased’ that ‘Canberran’ makes an appearance in the new publication.
Australian Capital Territory government chief minister Andrew Barr said he congratulates them on the new publication and particularly welcome the inclusion of ‘Canberran’.
“I may use the word more than most, but we use ‘Canberran’ so commonly that it’s hard to understand why there’s a red, squiggly line underneath it whenever we type it,” Mr Barr said.
In an attempt to banish the red line, Mr Barr said he has written to Apple and Microsoft asking them to amend their spell check tools to make sure Canberrans are included.
“And I have written to those dictionaries that don’t currently include Canberran,” he said.
“It would be fantastic to see these services follow the Australian National Dictionary’s lead to ensure as we increasingly become a global city we receive the recognition we deserve on the world stage.”
“Direct international flights, which will begin operation in September, will see thousands of new visitors to the nation’s capital who will learn how friendly and welcoming Canberrans are. It would be great to remove the confusion when they try to use the word Canberran.”
