Robot teaching tool aims to preserve native languages in America

In the upper peninsula of Michigan, Danielle Boyer, a young member of the Anishinaabe community, confronted generational language loss affecting her native tongue, Anishinaabemowin. Recognizing the urgency of preserving this core component of her culture, she developed the SkoBot, a language-learning robot designed to facilitate conversation and engagement in the language. The SkoBot, about the size of a coffee mug and resembling a woodland animal, utilizes AI speech recognition to translate English into Anishinaabemowin, promoting active learning among the children in her community. Boyer's initiative comes in response to the critical need for language revitalization, especially as the community's elders, who maintained fluency, have been lost to the pandemic. The SkoBot operates on a principle of retaining cultural integrity by using pre-recorded audio of community members, ensuring that the correct pronunciation and context are upheld. This approach emphasizes the importance of community involvement in language learning, as Boyer argues that language acquisition should not solely rely on technology but should also engage real human interaction and connection to foster a sense of belonging. The initiative is part of a broader movement among Indigenous communities to harness technology ethically in language revitalization and cultural preservation. Alongside Boyer, Jared Coleman, an assistant professor and member of the Big Pine Paiute Tribe, expressed similar concerns over the loss of his native language. He utilized OpenAI’s large language models to develop AI tools intended for teaching Owens Valley Paiute. Both Coleman and Boyer aim to counter the historical context of language erosion resulting from their communities' forced displacement and cultural suppression, by employing advanced technologies to advocate for and teach their languages. This endeavor not only serves the purpose of educational engagement but also fosters a renewed interest in Indigenous languages among broader audiences. Coleman hopes that those visiting the region will be encouraged to learn about the First Peoples of the land. With these technologies, there is a conscious effort to ensure the ethical application of AI in these contexts, recognizing the importance of cultural ownership and the rightful acknowledgment of the knowledge that flows from the communities they serve. Boyer and Coleman’s projects stand as vital steps toward reversing the rapid decline of Indigenous languages in their respective communities, showcasing how technology can preserve valuable cultural legacies even amidst changing social dynamics.