ARCHIVED: For Microsoft Word, how can I proofread text other than English?

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Word 2010

Microsoft Word 2010 is available in more than 35 localized versions, each of which includes proofing tools for more than one language. The English version includes support for English, French, and Spanish. For information on language support for other localized versions, see Microsoft's Office 2010 localized versions webpage.

To proofread in additional languages (other than those in the localized version), you must purchase proofing tools. For ordering information, see Microsoft Office Online's Office 2010 Language Packs.

Word 2007

Microsoft Word 2007 is also available in more than 35 localized versions. For information on language support for other localized versions, see Microsoft's Local Language Program website.

To proofread additional languages in Word 2007 (other than those in the localized version), you must also purchase tools. For ordering information, see Microsoft Office Online's Office 2007 Language Packs.

Word 2002 and 2003

Microsoft Word 2002 and 2003 support documents in more than 80 languages by employing the Unicode text encoding standard. The US English versions of Word 2002 and 2003 come with built-in proofing tools for English, Spanish, and French. You can proofread in additional languages with the Microsoft proofing tools, which you can order online from Microsoft's site or an authorized vendor of Microsoft products. For more information about proofing tools, see the following Microsoft support documents:

The built-in help files also contain information relevant to using other languages. To access this information:

From the Help menu, select Microsoft Office Word Help (Word 2003) or Microsoft Word Help (Word 2002).
In Word 2003, in the "Search for:" field under "Assistance", type languages and press Enter.
In Word 2002, click the Answer Wizard tab. In the text box, type languages and click Search.

Word 2001, v.X, 2004, and 2008

Microsoft Word 2001 and v.X have a built-in capacity to proofread the following languages:

English
French
Spanish
Italian
Japanese
Norwegian
German
Danish
Swedish
Dutch

Microsoft Word 2004 and 2008 have the built-in capacity to proofread Portuguese and Finnish, in addition to the languages listed above.

You may need to install the proofing tools from the Value Pack on the Office installation CD.

Word 2000

Microsoft Word 2000 has a built-in capacity to proofread the following languages:

English
French
Spanish

If you have an older version of Microsoft Word or need proofreading capability for other languages, you will need to look for third-party software.