Revitalizing Indigenous Languages: Analyzing the Impact and Prospects of AI Language Models

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 9:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Raciolinguistics, Translanguaging, and Indigenous Language Revitalization (Table 38)

Abstract

AI language models, exemplified by ChatGPT and Google Bard, bring cutting-edge advancements to diverse fields. Despite their potential, ethical and practical challenges arise, particularly in preserving human creativity and discerning AI-generated content. This paper focuses on AI language models' integration to revitalize Indigenous languages, particularly Mayan languages. Limited accessible data impedes accurate translation and communication. Testing ChatGPT and Bard in translating Quiche poems to Spanish or English reveals challenges. Emphasizing community involvement and cultural sensitivity, we propose proactive measures inspired by Iceland's model. These measures integrate Mayan languages into media and communication platforms, preserving linguistic diversity and cultural heritage. By embracing innovation, AI-driven technologies can contribute to preserving Indigenous languages and their cultural significance.

Author

• Hector Palala, University of Nebraska - Lincoln