Oggi, language revival websites are helping us address a silent yet devastating crisis. By this, we mean the extinction of at least 40% of the world’s languages.
This is a catastrophe that needs to be made more visible so that a solution can be found. After all, the death of a language means the loss of a culture—a linguistic and human treasure that we must strive to prevent.
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How language revival websites are preserving cultural heritage
With advancements in technology, language revival websites help us in this work. These websites allow us to document, preserve, and teach endangered languages.
In fact, before the digital age, these efforts relied on the work of anthropologists and linguists. These professionals documented and revitalized languages by recording vocabulary and grammar in books and archives.
However, these materials were not always easily accessible to the communities who spoke the language, their descendants, or other interested people. As a result, their impact was minimal.
Fortunately, the arrival of the Internet and digital platforms has opened new doors for linguistic preservation. Now, anyone has the opportunity to learn an endangered language.
Main digital tools that work on language revival websites
Many people are unaware of the existence of languages that are in danger of extinction and the impact that their disappearance will cause. We are losing a language and a way of understanding the world—a unique archive of history, values, and worldview.
This is why the work that these platforms are doing is so important—so much so that UNESCO actively sponsors or collaborates with many of these language revival websites.
Working is essential, especially as dominant languages like English, Spanish, and Chinese displace minority languages in many regions. Thus, new generations can remain connected to their ancestral languages.
The best thing is that you do not need to belong to of these communities to participate in language preservation.
For this reason, regardless of the reason that drives you, at Insiderbits, we want to show you the websites that work on language recovery.
Wallaroo
Did you know that artificial intelligence can help us with the challenging work of language preservation? Well, that’s what this website called Woolaroo does. Surprisingly, it is based on AI technology.
In addition, it lets take photos and get real-time translations in 10 endangered languages. The website uses Google Cloud Vision API technology.
This method identifies objects in an image and shows their equivalents in the native language, along with their pronunciation. Best of all, it is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, French, and Italian.
It was created with the vision that language learning is more functional in a visual and practical context. When words are associated with images, memorization, and conversations are more leisurely.
How was this website developed?
Google Arts & Culture and Partner Innovation worked with minority language speakers to create dictionaries that specialized institutions reviewed to ensure the accuracy of the translations.
It is also an open-source website, allowing individuals or organizations to adapt their technology and rescue other languages.
Endangered Languages Project (ELP)
Another Google initiative aimed at preserve minority languages is the Endangered Languages Project. The project supports organizations and individuals working on their recovery, documentation, and teaching.
Through this site, users have access to up-to-date information on endangered languages. They can also access resources from collaborators and contribute their own files.
This project serves to disseminate and make visible and users share practices and success stories. The platform’s community allows users to exchange knowledge and join language preservation groups.
Nahuatl Language Recovery Initiative, IRIN
IRIN, an organization based in El Salvador, is dedicated to preserve the Nahuatl language. It offers free membership to anyone who wants to learn this language.
Unlike the other language revival websites, this one requires in-person meetings. In addition, it does not have the same resources or promotion as the others, although it does have several archives and supports to preserve this language.
Despite this, it is one of the best because it also facilitates the creation of communities, primarily through coordinating contacts, community work, and volunteers.
If you want to know more about this project, you can find everything on its website. There, you will find detailed information about current objectives and activities to revitalize and preserve Nahuatl.
The great tool for language preservation
Technology is one of our greatest allies in language preservation. Language revival websites make it easier to document, teach, and promote languages easily.
In this way, we ensure that they continue to exist and become part of the legacy that future generations will know. Thus, no language will be forgotten thanks to technology, education, and community support.
Thanks to AI and language revival websites, learning a new language has never been more accessible. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve, technology can make the process engaging and effective.
If you’re curious about the best tools available, we invite you to explore our article on the five best AI-powered language learning apps. These platforms are designed to adapt to your pace and make mastering a new language fun and efficient. Check it out there.
For more information on platforms that can help you learn languages, check out more of our articles at Insiderbits. Start your language journey today!
