By Nikolina Koulouri,
Languages are more than just tools for communication. They are considered the carriers of culture, history, and identity. Sadly, thousands of languages are now endangered, with many at risk of vanishing within a few generations. Every two weeks, one language vanishes forever, and it’s projected that by the end of this century, half of the world’s languages may be extinct. Every time a language disappears, a piece of human identity is lost forever. However, in the face of this crisis, technology has emerged as a powerful tool to help save and revive endangered languages.
One of the most urgent challenges facing endangered languages is the loss of native speakers, mostly due to communities migrating. In some cases, only a handful of fluent speakers remain, often elderly individuals in isolated communities. The younger generations, influenced by global trends, social media and dominant languages used, such as English may abandon their ancestral dialects in favour of more globally recognized languages.
Can technology play a role in reversing this situation? The answer, increasingly, seems to be positive. Over the past few decades, advancements in digital tools such as Apple’s ‘’Siri’’, artificial intelligence, for example Chat GPT or Gemini, and machine learning apps, like Duolingo have provided new ways to document, preserve and even partially revive extinct languages.
Technology also offers innovative ways to make endangered languages more accessible to the public. Mobile apps, websites, and even video games have emerged as tools to help teach and learn these languages. For instance, the Endangered Languages Project, an online initiative supported by the Library of Congress, allows users to access digital recordings, educational materials, and linguistic data about endangered languages from around the world.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning, in particular, hold immense potential for language revival. AI can aid in the creation of language learning platforms where as a prime example of machine learning is the app Duolingo, which, though widely known for teaching mainstream languages, has ventured into the reality of endangered languages. By offering interactive lessons and promoting the language to a global audience, Duolingo is playing an important role in the preservation of other lesser known languages.
Social Media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube are being used by native speakers and language activists to teach and promote endangered languages. Indigenous creators post videos demonstrating traditional greetings, songs, and everyday phrases. Some even use memes and viral challenges to make language learning fun and accessible. With billions of users on these platforms, a language that was once only spoken in small communities can now easily reach a global audience. Online platforms, such as social media groups, YouTube channels, and discussion forums, provide spaces for speakers and learners of endangered languages to connect, share resources, and offer support. This collaborative effort has helped reignite interest in the language and provided a sense of hope that it can survive.
Despite the promise of technology, the revival of endangered languages is not without its challenges. The resources needed to create digital tools and learning platforms for every endangered language are often scarce. Moreover, some languages may be so complex or fragmented that developing a comprehensive digital model may not be feasible. Additionally, even with the best technology, a language can only survive if it is actively spoken and passed down through generations. This is where community involvement becomes crucial.
Ultimately, technology is not a silver bullet for saving endangered languages. Rather, it is a vital tool that can complement efforts by language communities, educators, and activists to revitalize their linguistic heritage. Language revival requires a multi-faced approach that includes both technological advancements and the active engagement of the speakers themselves. Whether through language learning apps, digital archives, translation systems, or community-driven projects, technology offers the hope of bringing lost languages back to life. Individuals can surely make a difference by supporting or simply raising awareness about the importance of linguistic diversity.
In conclusion, while the threat of language extinction remains an urgent issue, the rise of technology offers a beacon of hope for the preservation of endangered tongues. Through innovation and collaboration, technology can help document, teach, and revitalize languages that are on the brink of disappearing. The revival of these languages is not just a matter of linguistic preservation, but of protecting cultural diversity, connecting with ancestral roots, and ensuring that future generations have access to the rich histories embedded in every word. By embracing technology, we may yet be able to reverse the trend of linguistic extinction and give endangered languages a chance to flourish once more. Because at the end of the day, every language tells a story, and as long as we continue to tell those stories, no language is ever truly lost.
References
- AI in Language Preservation: Safeguarding Low-Resource and Indigenous Languages. Welocalize. Available here
- Could social media save endangered languages? University of Oxford. Available here
- A worldwide collaboration to strengthen endangered languages. ELP. Available here
