Windows 8 Speech Recognition Language

Solution 1:

This probably has not changed from Windows 7, where the speech recognition language is tied to the language specified for the OS. Try getting and installing the English-US language pack and it should become available as an option for speech rec. Here is a blog that discusses installing language packs in Windows 8.

Solution 2:

Finally found the solution:

1) Download the x64 Language Pack DVD ISO

2) Navigate to the EN-US folder and copy the lp.cab file to a local hard drive

3) Rename the .cab file to .mlc and double click it

4) Run through the wizard to install the language

5) Open Advanced Speech Options and EN-US is now available