Speech & Language Settings
TalkWriter supports dictation in multiple languages. You can select a specific language for maximum accuracy or let TalkWriter auto-detect what you are speaking.
Accessing Language Settings
- Open Settings (Cmd + ,)
- Navigate to the Speech & Language section
Auto-Detect vs. Manual Selection
| Auto-Detect | Manual Selection | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | TalkWriter listens to the first few seconds and identifies the language | You choose one language from a dropdown |
| Best for | Multilingual users who switch languages during the day | Users who dictate in one language exclusively |
| Accuracy | Very good (small trade-off vs. manual) | Maximum accuracy for the selected language |
| Language switching | Automatic between sessions | Requires manual change in settings |
| Dictionary interaction | Works with all custom words | Optimized for selected language |
When to Use Manual Selection
- You dictate exclusively in one language
- You need maximum accuracy for specialized vocabulary
- You are using a specialized dictionary for that language
When to Use Auto-Detect
- You regularly dictate in two or more languages
- You do not want to change settings between sessions
- You are comfortable with a small accuracy trade-off
If you primarily dictate in one language but occasionally use another, set the primary language manually. Switch to auto-detect only when you need to dictate in multiple languages in the same sitting.
Supported Languages
| Language | Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English (US) | en-US | Default |
| English (UK) | en-GB | |
| English (Australia) | en-AU | |
| Bengali (Bangla) | bn-BD | Includes Banglish support |
| Spanish | es-ES | |
| French | fr-FR | |
| German | de-DE | |
| Portuguese (Brazil) | pt-BR | |
| Japanese | ja-JP | |
| Korean | ko-KR | |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | zh-CN | |
| Hindi | hi-IN | |
| Arabic | ar-SA |
The language list is updated regularly as TalkWriter adds support for new languages. Check for the latest version.
How Auto-Detection Works
- TalkWriter listens to the first few seconds of your speech
- It identifies the language based on phonetic patterns
- The speech engine switches to that language for the session
Auto-detection identifies the language at the start of each dictation session. If you switch languages mid-session, stop and start a new dictation for the best results.
Language and Dictionary Interaction
Your custom dictionary works alongside your language setting. Dictionary entries are language-independent, so a word added for English is available if you switch languages.
However, pronunciation hints are language-specific. A hint written in English phonetics may not help when dictating in another language.
FAQ
Does changing the language affect AI Polish? Yes. AI Polish adjusts its grammar and formatting rules to match the selected language.
What is Banglish support? Banglish is Bengali written using the English alphabet. TalkWriter can recognize Banglish input and convert it to proper Bengali script.
Does language selection affect word limits on the Free plan? No. The 2,000 words/week limit applies regardless of language.
Can I dictate in two languages in the same session? Auto-detect identifies the language at session start. For mid-session switches, stop and start a new dictation.