From the Dolomites to Your Device: The Role of Technology in Preserving Indigenous Languages.

The preservation of languages is fundamental for the conservation of cultures, and fortunately, technology has the capacity to contribute to this effort. Languages are not only tools for communication; they are also carriers of the identity, history, and culture of communities. However, many of these languages, especially indigenous and lesser-spoken ones, face a high risk of extinction. According to UNESCO estimates, an indigenous language disappears every two weeks, which could lead to the loss of 3,000 unique languages by the end of this century.

The importance of indigenous languages lies in the fact that they are often spoken by small and marginalized communities, making them more vulnerable to the dominance of global languages. With the increase in digital connectivity, these languages are even more threatened. Their extinction does not only mean the loss of forms of communication but also a rich cultural heritage and its history.

To counteract this situation, it is crucial to preserve and revitalize indigenous languages, which benefits not only the speaking communities but society as a whole. Ensuring the protection and recognition of all cultures is a fundamental step toward building a more inclusive global community.

Earlier this year, in partnership with UNESCO, the document "Hello Indigenous" was launched, aimed at facilitating the digitization of endangered languages and highlighting the role technology can play in reducing the digital divide. This document marks a significant advancement for Motorola and the Lenovo Foundation's Indigenous Language Support Initiative, which began in 2021.

So far, Motorola has integrated more than 90 languages into its smartphones, supporting the revitalization of languages such as Kuvi and Kangri in India, Cherokee in North America, Nheengatu in the Amazon region, Kaingang in Brazil, and Maori in New Zealand. Additionally, Motorola was a pioneer in offering the Cherokee community a fully localized mobile phone user interface and also provides support for an Amazon indigenous language. Recently, Ladin, one of the twelve minority languages of Italy, was added.

Technology not only helps keep languages alive but also promotes digital inclusion by allowing them to be used in innovative ways through user interfaces, becoming part of the digital identity of younger generations and bringing them closer to their heritage.

Moreover, technological solutions offer hope for the future of language revitalization. Since the launch of the Motorola and Lenovo Foundation initiative, projects such as the first Nheenghatu Language Academy in Brazil and the Aotearoa bilingual keyboard in New Zealand have been created. More similar initiatives are expected to arise.

The "Hello Indigenous" document acts as a call to action to support linguistic diversity worldwide. Collaboration was key in its development, as work was done with indigenous communities to ensure the proper digitization of their languages. By illustrating Motorola's approach to integrating these languages into its interfaces, a model is set that can be adopted across the industry. This demonstrates that even languages with few speakers, like Ladin, can have a space in the digital landscape.

The UN General Assembly's declaration of 2022-2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages will help raise awareness, but it is essential that effective actions are taken. As global interest in indigenous languages grows, technology has the potential to bridge cultural preservation with modern innovation. What has been achieved so far in Motorola smartphones and the Lenovo Foundation, with the support of UNESCO, is just the beginning. With continued investment, collaboration, and innovation, digital technology can become a powerful ally in the revitalization and preservation of endangered languages.