PH indigenous languages preservation through online community dictionary
Targeting to empower native languages through the help of the new technology, a team of computer scientists and linguists from the University of the Philippines - Diliman (UPD) developed a dictionary-making tool that can be used as an online dictionary platform for Philippine indigenous languages.
Breaking the language barrier thru project Marayum, it also aims to preserve and save endangered Filipino languages. It allows users to enjoy different local languages that could support their connection towards the community. Furthermore, through this initiative, not only during ‘Buwan ng Wika’, Filipinos can appreciate the different local languages outside the one-month long celebration.
Users can just type a local word on the search engine or can browse the full list on the website. Each language corresponds with an English translation and also provides an example on how to use a certain word. It does not need one to have technical expertise in website design, implementation, and maintenance. It also allows interested language communities to create an online dictionary whose content would be owned by the members and reviewed by assigned language experts.
Marayum, translated to “wise words” in the Asi language of Romblon, is very easy to use.
However, revisions are allowed only to registered language speakers with entries and will undergo a review.
For users who want to contribute may apply for an account at the Marayum website, and those who just want to avail its services as reference or to learn a language, they can use it all for free without creating an account.
The said initiative is now available online at https://marayum.ph with four dictionaries: Asi-English, Cebuano-English, Kinaray-a-English and Hiligaynon-English.
Meanwhile, other dictionaries are in the works, including Bikol-Buhi’non-English, Bikol-Central-English, Bikol-Rinconada-English, Masbatenyo-English, Kapampangan-English, Chavacano-English, Gaddang-English, Inakyeanon-English, Waray-English, and Ilocano-English. These dictionaries are being managed by their communities and by the assigned linguists.
The website itself is owned and run by the research team from the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) and they are working in partnership with select regional universities.
Marayum was led by UP Department of Computer Science assistant professor Mario Carreon and is funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD).
This technology is just one of the projects of the DOST and many similar innovations, development projects, and knowledge products will be featured during the celebration of the 2021 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) from 22-28 November 2021, that will happen virtually!
The one-week celebration of science and technology carries the theme, ‘’Agham at Teknolohiya: Tugon sa Hamon ng Panahon’’, aptly coined as it showcases the many innovations, knowledge products and services, and locally developed technologies that will surely benefit the participants.
For more information, visit the NSTW website at http://nstw.dost.gov.ph/. You can also check and follow the NSTW Facebook page at https://web.facebook.com/nstwdost to be more updated. (By Rachel R. Perez, DOST-STII)
