Samar Michael Soren, an Ethnic Language Specialist and UNESCO Global Taskforce Member, Founder and Head, Language Resource Hub, highlighted how digital tools are revolutionizing language preservation during his keynote speech on the technical session titled `Use of Technology in Indigenous Language Preservation and Promotion鈥. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning enable translation tools, OCR systems, and spell-checkers, simplifying the digitization process. He emphasized the urgency of Digital Equality and raised concerns about the lack of documentation for 30 indigenous languages and the absence of online resources for 23 others. Citing initiatives like Mozilla Common Voice, which has collected 4,000 hours of Santali language voice data, he called for collaborative efforts to create open-access resources, digital archives, and localized language models. Soren also pointed out that in Bangladesh, language resource development is largely driven by individuals, not institutional support, with a lack of funding and policies to back these efforts. Community initiatives like the Language Resource Hub, depend on personal commitment. Linguistic neglect, the lack of inclusion of indigenous languages in AI, keyboard and font limitations, censorship, and a market-driven perspective where profitability discourages investment, all contribute to the challenges faced by indigenous languages in the digital age.
When language survives, nature survives. Language is not just for poetry; it provides us with food, culture, and identity.
UNESCO Dhaka Office organized the National Consultation on Indigenous Language preservation in collaboration with the International Mother Language Institute (IMLI), Zabarang, and Maleya Foundation. The two-day event convened indigenous leaders, youth representatives, academics, researchers, and cultural practitioners to address the urgent need to safeguard linguistic diversity. The conference commenced on 26 February 2025 with an inauguration ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Barri ster Raja Devasish Roy, Chief of Chakma Circle; Raja Saching Prue Chowdhury, Chief of Mong Circle; Gidison Pradhan Suchiang, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Indigenous People Network on Climate Change and Biodiversity (BIPNet); Dr. Mohammad Asaduzzaman, Director of IMLI; and Dr. Susan Vize, UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh. The event featured panel discussions, technical sessions, and interactive dialogues on language preservation, education, and cultural heritage.
Language technologies are pivotal in harnessing the power of multilingualism. From simple tools facilitating cross-linguistic communication to complex machine translation systems, these technologies enable access to information in native languages while fostering cross-cultural understanding. In this context, one of the most fascinated technical sessions on 26th February 2025 was the technical session on ``Use of Technology in Indigenous Language Preservation and Promotion鈥. This session highlighted the most important part of technology for preservation and promotion of indigenous language.
UNESCO鈥檚 global effort in Indigenous Language Preservation
A video message from Jaco Du Toit, Chief of Section, Universal Access to Information/DT, UNESCO, emphasized the power of digital platforms in preserving indigenous languages. He underscored the vital role of digital tools in language preservation, highlighting the importance of empowering young people through digital toolkits, freely available online resources, social media engagement, and learning from global best practices. He praised Bangladesh鈥檚 inclusion in the ATLAS initiative and its efforts to preserve linguistic diversity.
Technology acts as a safeguard for languages, ensuring they thrive for future generations.
He also highlighted the global effort to preserve language, collaborating indigenous communities, the younger generation, and relevant stakeholders, with the support of states, within the framework of the IDIL action plan.
Local Initiatives in Bangladesh
Dr. Mohammad Ashaduzzaman, Director of the International Mother Language Institute (IMLI), emphasized the purpose of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL) as a global initiative to revitalize, preserve, and promote endangered and lost languages. He highlighted IMLI鈥檚 efforts in documenting indigenous languages through advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and the Early Language Assessment Module (ELAM) software, which has been instrumental in preserving dead languages. He mentioned about language nest for documentation which is used in other country for language preservation.
Language documentation is crucial for revitalization of endangered languages. Many languages which were extinct, they are revived because of documentation. Language can be revitalized through policy making and implementation. Revitalization in our country is possible if some right method is adopted by the government. Rengmitcha language can be revitalized through bottom up/ bottom down process
Community voice
Rani Ukhengching Marma, the Queen of Mong Circle, Mong Circle Chief's Office representative, (Communications and External Relations), Khagrachhari, emphasized the critical role of teacher training and digital tools in preserving indigenous languages. To achieve this, she highlighted key initiatives, including the development of mobile learning apps and digital courses tailored for indigenous youth, as well as collaborations with organizations like 7000 Languages, a US-based NGO dedicated to supporting indigenous communities. These efforts aim to empower indigenous learners, bridge educational gaps, and ensure the survival of their linguistic heritage in an increasingly digital world.
Technology can play a key role in language preservation, but we need skilled teachers and community engagement.
Risks and overcoming the issues
Dr. Mashrur Imtiaz, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Linguistics, University of Dhaka discussed about the risks facing languages that cannot be integrated into Artificial Intelligence technology such as growing linguistic void, the marginalization of Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE), an expanding digital divide, and limited opportunities for newer language usage domains. By addressing dissertation challenges, fostering interest among younger generations, and preserving historical linguistic entities, technology creates a foundation for growth. Comparative databases leveraging similarities between sister languages and standardized methods further reduce the risk of distortion, ensuring that lesser-known languages have the resources to increase.
The use of technology for language preservation does not inherently cause distortion; instead, it can strengthen linguistic practices and applications.
Technology as a powerful tool, the fight to preserve indigenous languages is gaining motion. By developing AI tools tailored for small datasets, creating open-access resources and digital archives, and strengthening collaboration between governments, tech companies, and indigenous communities, we are concrete the way for a brighter future.
This technical session recommended and highlighted the need of collaboration among policymakers, researchers and indigenous communities is essential to ensuring these languages are preserved for future generations. Also:
Implement technological solutions such as digital courses and mobile applications for language learning.
Increase community engagement and awareness about online tools.
Strengthen government and indigenous collaboration to ensure sustainability of language preservation.
This year鈥檚 IDIL Conference holds special significance as it coincides with the Silver Jubilee of International Mother Language Day, a global movement rooted in Bangladesh鈥檚 historic struggle for linguistic rights. Bangladesh officially recognizes 50 indigenous communities, collectively speaking approximately 41 native languages from four distinct language families. However, according to IMLI (a Category II institute of UNESCO), around 15 languages in Bangladesh face the threat of extinction, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
The conference concluded with a strong call for continued advocacy and concrete measures to ensure the survival and development of indigenous languages, reinforcing their role as a cornerstone of cultural identity and human rights worldwide.
