How do you navigate the maze of fonts, keyboards, and encoding challenges to digitize your language effectively?
The Globalization and Localization Association (GALA) recently hosted a thought-provoking webinar, “Bridging the Divide: Indigenous Communities and Large Tech”, that delved deep into the technical and cultural challenges of digitizing Indigenous languages. The session, moderated by Ludmila Golovine, CEO of MasterWord and co-founder of the Mayan Languages Digitization and Predervation Project, brought together experts from both the tech and language preservation communities to share their experiences, insights, and actionable advice.
A Meeting of Minds: Panelists and Their Expertise
The webinar featured an impressive panel:
- Craig Cornelius – a Software Engineer at Google and a dedicated advocate for Indigenous languages, who has worked closely with communities such as the Cherokee Nation and Fulani speakers.
- Steven R. Loomis – Chair of the CLDR Digitally Disadvantaged Languages Working Group, who highlighted the critical role of standards like Unicode in facilitating language inclusion.
- Priscilla Colón – Founder of Casa Areyto and a passionate language revitalizer, who shared her personal journey in breathing digital life into the once “extinct” Taíno language.
Each panelist brought a unique perspective, addressing everything from technical hurdles to the cultural significance of language preservation.
Tackling Technical Barriers
A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the monumental challenge of ensuring that Indigenous languages have a robust digital presence. Craig Cornelius recounted his firsthand experience with the Cherokee Nation, describing the painstaking process of integrating their writing system into modern technology. He explained:
"Even if you have a standardized writing system, if your phone lacks a font to display it, you’re left with those infamous little white boxes—what we in the industry call tofu."
This anecdote underlines the importance of comprehensive digital support—beyond just character encoding—to include proper fonts, keyboards, and interfaces. Craig’s story is a powerful reminder that even when communities have completed the foundational work of standardizing their language (e.g., getting Cherokee into Unicode), real-world implementation in devices requires persistence and collaboration with large tech companies.
Steven Loomis added another layer to this discussion by emphasizing the importance of standards. He pointed out that Unicode has been a critical enabler for modern languages, yet challenges remain with language codes and local adaptations. One of his insights was the gap between traditional font-based solutions and the more flexible Unicode text, which can help Indigenous speakers type in their native languages without resorting to workarounds. Loomis also discussed how the CLDR (Common Locale Data Repository) and evolving keyboard standards are paving the way for broader digital inclusion.
The Personal and Cultural Significance
For many Indigenous communities, digitizing their language is not just a technical endeavor—it is a journey to reclaim cultural identity. Priscilla Colón’s moving account of revitalizing the Taíno language illuminated this deeper significance. Once declared extinct centuries ago, Taíno is more than a means of communication; it is a vessel for ancestral heritage. As Priscilla put it:
“When community members learn basic words like ‘hello’ in our language, it resonates deeply. They feel a connection to our ancestors, and that is healing in itself.”
Her experience illustrates how digital tools not only bridge technical gaps but also empower communities to reconnect with their heritage. By leveraging digital platforms, Indigenous groups can create educational content, develop custom keyboards, and establish a persistent online presence that keeps their language—and culture—alive.
Empowering Communities Through Education and Self-Serve Platforms
A critical takeaway from the webinar was the need to empower Indigenous communities through education. Ludmila Golovine stressed the importance of engaging young, tech-savvy community members who can lead the charge in digitizing their language. As Craig explained, starting with those who are already immersed in modern technology can spark broader community adoption. He shared:
“When the young people in a community learn how to use a custom keyboard or font, they in turn teach their elders—this grassroots education is the key to revitalization.”
The discussion highlighted innovative, self-serve solutions designed to lower the barriers to entry. Priscilla mentioned platforms like Keyman, which offer tools for creating custom keyboards on Windows, emphasizing that such platforms allow communities to take control of their digital narratives without the need for extensive technical infrastructure.
Callouts to Key Organizations and Initiatives
The webinar was rich with references to important organizations and resources that are instrumental in bridging the digital divide:
- Unicode Consortium: Vital for ensuring that every character of a language has a unique code, allowing for consistent digital representation.
- CLDR: Provides data and standards that help streamline language support across multiple platforms.
- International Decade of Indigenous Languages: An initiative aimed at global support and recognition for Indigenous languages.
- 7000 Languages: An organization mentioned by Priscilla, dedicated to preserving Indigenous languages through digital education.
These callouts are essential resources for language professionals and communities looking for technical guidance and collaboration.
Looking Ahead: Collaborative Solutions for a Digital Future
A major theme of the webinar was the need for collaboration between Indigenous communities and large tech companies. The panelists underscored that while technical challenges are significant, the solution lies in building trust and establishing partnerships. Steven Loomis suggested that a unified approach—where tech giants like Google, Apple, and Microsoft collaborate with Indigenous language experts—could streamline the digitization process. Priscilla’s insights into data ownership further stressed that communities should have the autonomy to decide how their data is used, ensuring that digital solutions are both culturally sensitive and sustainable.
In Gratitude
In closing, we extend our heartfelt thanks to GALA for hosting this invaluable webinar and for their ongoing commitment to advancing the language services industry. Their work not only brings together the brightest minds in localization but also champions the cause of preserving our world’s rich linguistic heritage. For language professionals and community leaders alike, the insights shared in this session provide both technical guidance and cultural inspiration—demonstrating that with the right tools and collaborative spirit, every language has a place in the digital world.
Whether you are a localization expert, a community leader, or simply someone passionate about language preservation, the strategies and stories from this webinar are a call to action. Embrace the challenge, leverage the available resources, and join the movement to ensure that Indigenous languages not only survive but thrive in the digital age.
For more information on the webinar, visit GALA Global and check out the session on YouTube.
