# Xuxen

> free software, spelling checker for Basque

**Wikidata**: [Q12269101](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12269101)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/xuxen

## Summary
Xuxen is a free software spelling checker designed specifically for the Basque language. It was first released in 1994 and has since become an essential tool for Basque language processing and digital text editing.

## Key Facts
- Released in 1994 as the first spelling checker for Basque
- Current version 5.1 released on May 22, 2018
- Developed by the Ixa Group research team
- Cross-platform software available for Windows and Mac OS
- Uses Foma, Hunspell, and EDBL platforms
- Website available in Basque language
- Part of the "History of the Basque Country in 100 objects" collection
- Copyright held by Ixa Group

## FAQs
### Q: What is Xuxen?
A: Xuxen is a free software spelling checker specifically designed for the Basque language, helping users correct spelling errors in Basque text documents.

### Q: Who created Xuxen?
A: Xuxen was developed by the Ixa Group, a research team specializing in Natural Language Processing, with key contributors including Xabier Artola Zubillaga, Iñaki Alegria, and other Basque computer scientists.

### Q: What platforms does Xuxen run on?
A: Xuxen is cross-platform software that runs on Microsoft Windows and Mac OS operating systems.

## Why It Matters
Xuxen represents a crucial milestone in Basque language technology and digital preservation. As the first comprehensive spelling checker for Basque, it addressed a significant gap in language technology tools for this minority language. The software has enabled Basque speakers to produce error-free digital text, supporting both everyday communication and professional publishing. By providing reliable Basque language processing capabilities, Xuxen has contributed to the language's vitality in the digital age and supported Basque language education and standardization efforts. Its development by local researchers also demonstrates the capacity of Basque institutions to create sophisticated language technology solutions.

## Notable For
- First spelling checker ever developed for the Basque language
- Pioneer in minority language technology development
- Long-term continuous development since 1994
- Cross-platform compatibility across major operating systems
- Integration with multiple linguistic processing platforms (Foma, Hunspell, EDBL)

## Body
### Development History
Xuxen was initially released in 1994, marking the first time Basque speakers had access to automated spelling correction tools. The software was developed by the Ixa Group, a research team at the University of the Basque Country specializing in Natural Language Processing.

### Technical Architecture
The spelling checker operates on multiple platforms including Foma, Hunspell, and EDBL, making it versatile for different computing environments. It's designed to be cross-platform, supporting both Microsoft Windows and Mac OS operating systems.

### Version Evolution
The software has evolved significantly since its initial release, with version 5.1 being released on May 22, 2018. Earlier versions include 1.0 from May 18, 1994, showing continuous development over nearly three decades.

### Language Support
Xuxen is specifically tailored for Basque language processing, addressing the unique orthographic and grammatical features of the language. The software's website and interface are available in Basque, reflecting its target user base.

### Research Impact
Beyond its practical utility, Xuxen has contributed to Basque language research and technology development. It's recognized as part of the "History of the Basque Country in 100 objects," highlighting its cultural and technological significance.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "SoftwareApplication",
  "name": "Xuxen",
  "description": "Free software spelling checker for Basque language",
  "applicationCategory": "EducationalApplication",
  "operatingSystem": ["Windows", "MacOS"],
  "softwareVersion": "5.1",
  "creator": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "Ixa Group"
  },
  "url": "http://www.xuxen.eus",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1234567",
    "https://eu.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xuxen"
  ]
}

## References

1. [Source](https://sustatu.eus/elhuyar/1526996892)