How AI is Saving Endangered Languages

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Introduction

The world is home to thousands of languages, each carrying a unique cultural heritage and identity. However, many of these endangered languages are at risk of disappearing, leading to a significant loss of cultural diversity. As technology advances, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool in the fight against language endangerment. This blog explores the innovative ways AI is being utilized to document, preserve, and revitalize endangered languages, highlighting successful projects and the positive impact on communities. Can AI truly reverse the tide of language extinction, or are we merely delaying the inevitable? Let’s find this out.

Endangered Language

An endangered language or moribund language is a language that is at risk of disappearing as its speakers die or shift to speaking another language. Language loss occurs when the language has no more native speakers and becomes a “dead language”. If no one can speak the language at all, it becomes an “extinct language“. A dead language may still be studied through recordings or writings, but it is still dead or extinct unless there are fluent speakers. Although languages have always become extinct throughout human history, they are currently dying at an accelerated rate because of globalization, mass migration, cultural replacement, imperialism, neocolonialism and linguicide (language killing).

Examples: Cherokee (USA), Hawaiian (Hawaii, USA), Navajo (Southwestern USA), Manx (Isle of Man), and Ainu (Japan).

Graph For Endangered Languages

Language Revitalization

Language revitalization, also referred to as language revival or reversing language shift, is an attempt to halt or reverse the decline of a language or to revive an extinct one. There have been various attempts to revitalize a language that is on the brink of being extinct or has already gone extinct.

EXAMPLE: The prime example of a revitalized language is Hebrew. No one spoke it as a primary language from about the third century until early Zionists revived it in the mid-19th century as part of their effort to secure a Jewish homeland in Palestine. With the rise of Zionism in the 19th century, it was revived as a spoken and literary language, becoming primarily a spoken lingua franca among the early Jewish immigrants to Ottoman Palestine and received the official status in the 1922 constitution of the British Mandate for Palestine and subsequently of the State of Israel

Why is Language Revitalization Important

Human concerns: Languages are like treasure chests filled with information about literature, history, philosophy, and art. They contain stories, ideas, and words that help us understand our lives and the world around us. For example, just as we value written literature, the oral stories and traditions of indigenous peoples are also important. These stories show how they have dealt with life’s complexities, offering valuable insights to everyone. When a language dies without being recorded, all its oral literature, traditions, and history disappear, and we all lose something valuable.

Lost Knowledge: Small speech communities often hold unique and valuable knowledge, such as medicinal plants, identification of plants and animals, and new crops. When a language isn’t passed on to the next generation, this specific knowledge is often lost. The consequences can be devastating.

For example, many pharmaceuticals come from plants first identified by traditional medicines. If these languages die, the medicinal knowledge may be lost too. One notable instance is the mamala plant from Samoa, which led to the discovery of an anti-viral drug effective against HIV.

Stages of Language Endangerment

Safe: The language is actively spoken by all generations and used in various domains of life.

Vulnerable: The language is spoken by children but is not the primary language used in the community. It may be at risk if not actively maintained.

Definitely Endangered: The language is primarily spoken by older generations, with few children learning it. Usage in everyday life is declining.

Severely Endangered: The language is only spoken by a limited number of elderly speakers, with little to no transmission to younger generations.

Critically Endangered: The language is no longer spoken by children and is only used by a small number of elderly speakers, often in limited contexts.

Extinct: The language has no fluent speakers left and is no longer used in any form of communication.

Language Documentation and Digital Archiving

AI technologies can help document and digitally archive endangered languages. Automated transcription tools can convert spoken language into text, preserving it for future generations. Machine learning algorithms can analyze vast amounts of linguistic data, identifying patterns and nuances that might be missed by human researchers. For instance, AI can assist in creating comprehensive dictionaries and grammar guides for endangered languages.

AI-Powered Translation and Learning Tools

AI-powered translation tools can help bridge the gap between endangered languages and more widely spoken ones. These tools can facilitate communication and translation, making endangered languages more accessible. AI can also create language learning apps and platforms, like Duolingo, which offer courses in endangered languages. These tools can help new generations learn and use these languages, promoting their survival.

Enhanced Linguistic Research

AI can assist linguists in analyzing languages more efficiently. By processing large datasets, AI can uncover linguistic structures and relationships that might take years for humans to identify. This enhanced research capability can lead to a deeper understanding of endangered languages and more effective preservation strategies.

Empowering Communities Using AI

AI can empower communities by providing tools to document and share their languages. Community members can use AI-powered apps to record and translate their languages, creating a digital repository that can be accessed by future generations. AI can also facilitate the creation of educational materials and resources in endangered languages, supporting language revitalization efforts within the community.

Google’s Endangered Languages Project:

This initiative provides an online platform where users can access and contribute resources on endangered languages. It includes audio recordings, texts, and research to help document and share linguistic information.

IBM’s Watson and Yawuru Language Collaboration:

IBM collaborated with the Yawuru community in Australia to preserve their language using Watson’s AI capabilities. This project involved digitizing the Yawuru language, creating a comprehensive database that includes vocabulary, pronunciation guides, and cultural context.

The Rosetta Project:

The Rosetta Project is an initiative aimed at preserving and promoting linguistic diversity by creating an open digital library of all documented languages. Launched in 2002 by the Long Now Foundation, the project seeks to safeguard the world’s languages, particularly endangered ones, by fostering research and accessibility.

Living Tongues Institute for Endangered Languages:

The Living Tongues Institute for Endangered Languages is a non-profit organization dedicated to the documentation and revitalization of endangered languages worldwide. Founded in 2003, the institute works closely with indigenous communities to develop tools and resources that support language preservation efforts.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Cherokee Language:

AWS partnered with the Cherokee Nation to develop AI tools that support language learning and preservation. The project includes creating digital applications that teach and promote the Cherokee language, ensuring its continued use and transmission.

Challenges of AI in Endangered Language Preservation

Data Scarcity:

Many endangered languages lack sufficient digital resources, such as text corpora or audio recordings, making it difficult for AI models to learn and generate accurate outputs.

Dialectal Variations:

Endangered languages often have numerous dialects and regional variations, complicating the creation of standardized AI tools that can effectively cater to all speakers.

Low-Quality Data:

Available data may be of low quality or inconsistent, leading to challenges in training robust AI models that can reliably process and analyze the language.

Cultural Sensitivity:

AI tools must navigate cultural contexts carefully. Misrepresentation or improper use of a language can lead to community pushback and mistrust.

Technical Accessibility:

Communities may lack access to the necessary technology or internet connectivity to utilize AI-powered tools effectively, limiting the reach of preservation efforts.

Sustainability:

Projects often face challenges in long-term sustainability, as funding and support may dwindle over time, impacting ongoing language preservation efforts.

Future Prospects

Emerging AI Technologies and Their Potential Impact

The future of language preservation is promising, thanks to emerging AI technologies that continue to evolve and innovate. Advanced machine learning algorithms, natural language processing, and deep learning techniques are paving the way for more effective tools that can accurately document and revitalize endangered languages. Innovations such as real-time translation, speech recognition, and interactive language learning platforms are making these languages more accessible and engaging for younger generations. As AI capabilities expand, the potential to create more nuanced and context-aware applications will enhance our efforts to preserve linguistic diversity.

Collaboration Between Tech Companies, Linguists, and Communities

A crucial factor in the successful integration of AI for language preservation is collaboration. Tech companies, linguists, and local communities must work together to ensure that AI tools are culturally relevant and technically effective. Partnerships can lead to the development of tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each language community. By involving native speakers in the design and implementation of AI technologies, we can create resources that reflect the true essence of the language and foster a sense of ownership among community members. This collaborative approach is essential for building trust and ensuring the long-term sustainability of language preservation efforts.

Vision for the Future of Language Preservation with AI

Looking ahead, the vision for language preservation with AI is one of hope and resilience. By harnessing the power of technology, we can create a future where endangered languages not only survive but thrive. With ongoing advancements, we can anticipate a world where AI-driven tools support immersive language learning experiences, facilitate cross-cultural communication, and empower communities to document and share their linguistic heritage. The goal is to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem where every language has the opportunity to flourish, contributing to the rich tapestry of global culture. As we navigate this path, the role of AI will be pivotal in ensuring that the voices of all languages are heard and valued in our increasingly interconnected world.

As we’ve explored throughout this blog, artificial intelligence (AI) is a game changer in the fight to preserve endangered languages. From projects like Google’s Endangered Languages Project, which documents and translates these languages, to Duolingo’s efforts in offering courses in languages like Hawaiian and Navajo, AI’s potential is vast and transformative.

However, preserving linguistic diversity isn’t just about technology; it’s about collaboration. The partnership between tech companies, linguists, and local communities is crucial. Together, we can create solutions that truly reflect the needs and nuances of each language, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among speakers.

Looking ahead, the future of language preservation with AI is bright. With ongoing efforts and a shared vision, we can ensure that every language not only survives but thrives. By investing in these initiatives today, we pave the way for a richer, more diverse cultural landscape tomorrow. Let’s commit to this journey together, celebrating and safeguarding the voices that enrich our world.