Word processing in Spanish using an english keyboard: A study of spelling errors

Abstract

This article describes a study of spelling errors made by writers while typing in Spanish using an English keyboard. The most important contribution of this study is the identification of a profile of errors made by writers using a word processor and an English keyboard to write in Spanish. The study revealed that a large number of the errors are related with words that have a character such as á, é, í, ó, ú or ñ. Another important finding of the study was that a substantial number of errors (approximately one third) are not corrected and that backspace was used to correct approximately two thirds of all the words corrected. The study supports the conclusion that the lack of straightforward support for characters such as á, é, í, ó, ú or ñin the Spanish language can cause a significant number of errors. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.