(SPOT.ph) Our own scripts—born long before colonial influences—have arguably become foreign in their own land. So if you're looking to help preserve these writing systems, you can check out some of the updates that Google has put into their keyboard application. Gboard now has four of our indigenous scripts: Baybayin, Tagbanwa, Buhid, and Hanunuo, all of which you can use for free.
Just make sure you've got the app installed and updated, then you can go ahead and download the keyboard language you want by pressing on the space bar or opening up the app itself. Just take note though that the update is only applicable for Android Oreo (8.0) and above.
The ancient script of Baybayin, for example, will literally be right at your fingertips. Type out anything from a love letter to your grocery lists—maybe even keep your diary in Baybayin for the ultimate secrecy.
"It is important that we try to continue using [our writing systems]. Today, where typing on our smartphones is common behavior, making more native scripts available on Gboard will play a vital role in helping preserve them," said Gabby Roxas, Marketing Head of Google Philippines.Â
Download the Gboard app through the Google Play Store.Â
UPDATE (August 30, 2019): The article has been updated to clarify that the Filipino scripts are only available with Android Oreo (8.0) and above.Â
