IndoVox

In an era where technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, the digitization of indigenous languages has become a vital undertaking to preserve cultural heritage and ensure their survival for future generations. One such language at the heart of this digital transformation is Santhali, spoken by millions across India & Bangladesh.

The journey of digitizing Santhali has seen remarkable strides thanks to the tireless efforts of linguists and digital innovators like Ari Ramjit. This journey, which began with a need to preserve the Santhali script and ensure its accessibility in the digital world, marks a turning point in the language industry.

Preserving Linguistic Heritage
Santhali, an important language spoken predominantly by tribal communities in India, holds cultural and historical significance. However, like many indigenous languages, it faces the risk of gradual decline due to the dominance of major languages in education, media, and technology. The digitization of Santhali, especially the creation of digital fonts, online dictionaries, and typing tools, is a crucial step in preserving this language.
Ari Ramjit’s dedication to creating accessible resources for the Santhali community provides a model for how language can be preserved through technology. The digitization of Santhali makes it easier for native speakers to read and write in their mother tongue, while also helping non-speakers learn and engage with the language.

Accessibility and Global Reach
The primary challenge for many regional and indigenous languages is their limited presence in the digital space. Most global technological platforms and social media networks are designed around dominant languages like English, Hindi, and Spanish. However, with the digitization of Santhali, this gap can be bridged.
Tools like online keyboards and mobile apps that support the Santhali language enable speakers to communicate in their native tongue, breaking down barriers of communication within the community. Furthermore, with the expansion of the digital world, the Santhali language will have a chance to be represented on global platforms. This will allow Santhali speakers to contribute to the global digital discourse, thus preserving their identity and culture while also embracing modernity.

Economic Opportunities in the Language Industry
The digitization of languages opens up a wide array of economic opportunities within the language industry. In terms of translation services, language localization, and software development, there is an increasing demand for indigenous language resources. The Santhali language industry, thanks to efforts like Ari Ramjit’s, will benefit from this growing need for digital content in multiple languages.
The development of tools and platforms for the Santhali language will lead to the creation of new jobs in the tech and language sectors. Linguists, app developers, and content creators will be in high demand to create materials that can help bridge the linguistic gap and cater to Santhali speakers across the globe.

Educational Advancements
A major advantage of digitization is its potential to revolutionize education. Santhali students, especially in remote areas, will be able to access a wealth of educational resources in their mother tongue, from textbooks to online courses. Moreover, with digital platforms supporting Santhali, younger generations will have the opportunity to learn in a bilingual environment, fostering a deeper connection to both their native language and broader world knowledge.
Through digital media, students will also have access to interactive tools, video tutorials, and educational apps in Santhali, making learning more engaging and accessible.

Future of the Santhali Language
The ongoing digitization efforts are just the beginning of a bright future for the Santhali language. As the world becomes more interconnected through technology, the possibility for the Santhali language to thrive in the digital space continues to expand. Moreover, it serves as a powerful example for other lesser-known languages around the world, showing that through innovation and community efforts, languages can not only survive but also thrive in the digital age.

By focusing on inclusivity, the digitization of Santhali not only strengthens the language industry but also opens doors for the empowerment of indigenous communities globally.

Source: https://inspiringodisha.com/digitization-of-the-santhali-language-the-journey-of-ari-ramjit/#

Thanks,
Deepak Sahu,
Vice President - CITLoB