Ma Iwaidja Endangered Language

As technology advances, Indigenous advocates are racing against time and using all their resources to save Indigenous languages from becoming extinct (Galla, 2016). Technology is a tool being used to help revitalize the dying Indigenous language and knowledge. Although these efforts are being made, the language is not free from linguistic, social, cultural, economic and environmental factors affecting it (Galla, 2016). A news article described smartphone applications as holding “the key to protecting endangered Indigenous languages (FED, 2012).” The Minjilang Endangered Languages Publication Project’s initiative, Ma!iwaidja, is an interactive dictionary and phrase book application for smartphones that aims at preserving and protecting what

This application allows users to type in a word in Iwaidja or English and have it be translated. It also allows users to add or correct words (FED, 2012). The application was described in an article as “a living, constantly developing repository and capture device for a language that is otherwise losing ground fast (FED, 2012).” There is a WordMaker with a “wheel-based” interface that allows users to conjugate body parts and the ability to conjugate verbs is being developed for the next version of the app (The Ethnos Project, 2017). Lastly, a distinctive feature of the application is an information section on other endangered languages in Arnhem Land and an introduction to the sounds of Iwaidja language (The Ethnos Project, 2017). The functions of the applications allow a smooth interaction between Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals using the application. The application can be used by the Indigenous youth who are still learning the language and by researchers who are trying to find other ways to help this language from becoming extinct. The information section provides a view into other endangered languages and the culture they derive from, making this app a resource for Indigenous communities to share their

Technology use seems to be universal, but access and capacity to use it create disparities between Indigenous communities. Language learning applications speak to one of the advantages of having access to a cellular device since portability grants access to social interactivity and individuality (Park, 2011). Even if language apps do not particularly “save” languages, they are still assisting with the reinforcement of the language and facilitating the learning process. Although using technology may be leaving the older generations behind, the youth are the future of the Indigenous languages (Galla, 2016). Ma!iwaidja is available on both iOS and Android platforms to make it more available for both device type users. Other efforts regarding increasing access to technology in Indigenous communities will continue the expansion of language applications on devices. Also, Indigenous language learning applications like Ma!iwaidja should be brought to the attention of more non-Indigenous people to share the Aboriginal goal of saving the languages. Another advantage to having this application is that the Iwaidja culture will continue to be studied, learned, and passed down in the newer generations. The goal to further, share, and protect Indigenous knowledge and traditions will be possible with applications that adapt to each user’s