IFAP advocates for community-driven technology in indigenous language revitalisation

The preservation and promotion of Indigenous languages extend beyond safeguarding cultural heritage. Access to education in one's mother tongue and participation in public life using Indigenous languages are fundamental human rights. These rights are essential for creating inclusive and cohesive societies where sustainable development, environmental stewardship, peace, and social justice can thrive.

Ms Mary-Ruth Mendel, Vice Chair of the Information for All Programme Working Group and Co-Chair of the Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation (ALNF), emphasizes the growing role of technology and digital innovation in enabling equitable access to knowledge. These tools are vital for documenting, transmitting, and revitalizing some of the world's most endangered languages.

On 15 October 2024, the Australian Literacy & Numeracy Foundation delivered a compelling presentation at the South by Southwest Sydney Innovation Conference, exploring how new technologies can empower community-driven revitalization, maintenance, and teaching of First Languages.

Historically, technologies documenting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages have often excluded Language speakers from leading or benefiting directly from these processes. However, Professor Tom Calma AO, IFAP member and ALNF Co-Chair, highlights that advancements in accessible technology are transforming this dynamic. Communities now have greater control over their languages, fostering significant positive outcomes in employment, education, and social cohesion.

Professor Calma advocates embedding a community-led philosophy at the core of Indigenous language revitalization efforts. By ensuring Indigenous Elders and communities lead these initiatives, digital tools can effectively teach, learn, and share First Languages with future generations.

The Living First Language Platform (LFLP), developed by ALNF and used in 17 Indigenous language communities across Australia, exemplifies this approach. As a cross-platform multimedia application, LFLP empowers speakers with literacy tools to read, write, and teach in their mother tongues. The platform bridges cultural divides, promotes literacy, and puts Indigenous languages back into the hands of community members, ensuring their legacy for generations to come.

More than a tool for documentation, LFLP fosters daily engagement with the knowledge, culture, and relationships embedded in words, phrases, and stories. By facilitating intergenerational connections, it transforms digitization into a dynamic, living process where traditions thrive in digital environments.

Ms. Glenise Coulthard AM, Indigenous Elder and board member emphasizes that language is inherently relational. Digital innovations must be viewed through this lens-as tools to celebrate culture, strengthen relationships, and foster collaboration.

The potential of community-led technology demonstrates how Indigenous languages can flourish when communities are empowered to govern their linguistic and cultural heritage.