In a groundbreaking initiative that merges cutting-edge technology with cultural preservation, Tezpur University has launched an ambitious AI-powered project to rescue two of Assam's critically endangered languages from the brink of extinction.
The Digital Lifeline for Dying Tongues
The project focuses on the Rabha and Tiwa languages, both recognized as "definitely endangered" by UNESCO, meaning children no longer learn them as their mother tongue at home. This digital intervention comes at a critical time when these indigenous languages face the very real threat of disappearing forever.
Dr. Shikhar Kumar Sarma, the principal investigator and head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, revealed the comprehensive approach: "We're developing sophisticated speech recognition systems, text-to-speech converters, and machine translation tools specifically designed for Rabha and Tiwa. This isn't just about documentation—it's about creating functional digital tools that make these languages relevant in today's technology-driven world."
Building the Digital Foundation
The research team is creating comprehensive digital resources that include:
- Parallel corpora with English and Assamese translations
- Extensive speech datasets from native speakers
- Digital dictionaries and grammatical frameworks
- Machine learning models trained on linguistic patterns
These resources will form the backbone of various digital applications, from language learning apps to translation services, making Rabha and Tiwa accessible to younger generations.
Beyond Preservation: Creating Utility
What sets this project apart is its focus on practical utility. The team isn't just archiving these languages—they're building tools that enable real-world usage. The text-to-speech and speech recognition systems will allow community members to interact with technology in their native tongues, while machine translation will bridge communication gaps between generations.
"When a language becomes usable in digital spaces, it gains relevance for the youth," explains Dr. Sarma. "Our goal is to make Rabha and Tiwa functional languages in the 21st century, not just museum pieces."
A Collaborative Effort with Global Implications
The three-year project, supported by the Indian government's Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), represents a collaborative effort between computer scientists, linguists, and native speaking communities. This multidisciplinary approach ensures both technical excellence and cultural authenticity.
The success of this initiative could provide a blueprint for preserving other endangered languages across India and beyond, demonstrating how artificial intelligence can serve as a powerful tool for cultural conservation rather than just commercial applications.
As digital globalization threatens to homogenize languages worldwide, Tezpur University's project stands as a testament to how technology can actually help preserve linguistic diversity, ensuring that the rich cultural heritage embedded in languages like Rabha and Tiwa continues to thrive for generations to come.
