An online app for indigenous language users: Lakota

Press Pool (2019) Breakthrough app to allow for online learning of Lakota Indian Country Today November 21

I was intrigued by this announcement, for a number of reasons.

• many indigenous languages are disappearing as elders die; this mobile app or online tool is one way to preserve a language and teach it to new generations,
• ‘Owóksape also focuses on being culturally representative of the language. Not only are the visuals culturally appropriate, but the app includes cultural information such as the protocols that are required for speaking with elders, the use of kinship terminology, and the nuances of male and female speech within the Lakota language.’
• the app features strong integration to social media platforms and classrooms to create collaborative environments and meet specific language-learning needs for Indigenous communities
• ‘this particular program is best suited for true language revitalization needs because we’re trying to build real speakers of the language, not just hobbyist learners who do it on the side’.

The Language Conservancy plans on using the same breakthrough technology to replicate the app in other Indigenous languages. More...