Thursday 23 January 2025
As technology continues to advance, it’s becoming increasingly clear that artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay. And when it comes to language preservation, AI is proving to be a game-changer.
For decades, linguists and anthropologists have been working tirelessly to document and preserve endangered languages around the world. But despite their best efforts, many of these languages are still at risk of disappearing forever. That’s where AI comes in.
Researchers have been using generative AI models to generate text, audio, and even video content in endangered languages. This technology has the potential to revolutionize language preservation by allowing linguists to create large volumes of language materials quickly and efficiently.
One of the most significant advantages of generative AI is its ability to produce high-quality language output almost instantly. This means that researchers can generate entire books, articles, and even social media posts in a matter of minutes. And because AI models are trained on vast amounts of data, they’re able to capture subtle nuances and cultural context that human translators might miss.
But generative AI isn’t just limited to text-based content. Researchers have also been using the technology to generate audio recordings and even videos in endangered languages. This is especially important for unwritten languages, where there may not be any written records of the language at all.
Of course, as with any emerging technology, there are also some challenges to consider. One of the biggest hurdles is the lack of data available in many endangered languages. This means that AI models may struggle to learn and adapt to these languages, leading to less accurate output.
Another challenge is the risk of cultural dilution. As AI-generated content becomes more widespread, there’s a danger that it could inadvertently contribute to the erosion of language and cultural identity. This is especially true for communities where language is deeply tied to culture and tradition.
Despite these challenges, researchers are optimistic about the potential of generative AI to help preserve endangered languages. By working closely with local communities and taking steps to ensure cultural sensitivity and authenticity, they believe that AI can be a powerful tool in the fight against language extinction.
One example of this is the Revival of the Maori Language in New Zealand. Researchers have developed AI systems capable of generating Maori text, which has helped to produce new educational resources and even transcribe audio recordings of Maori oral traditions. The synergy between AI-generated content and human oversight has proved vital in revitalizing the Maori language.
Cite this article: “Revitalizing Endangered Languages with Artificial Intelligence”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Artificial Intelligence, Language Preservation, Endangered Languages, Generative Ai Models, Text-Based Content, Audio Recordings, Videos, Cultural Sensitivity, Authenticity, Maori Language
