Help us develop our linguistic data collection app to document and preserve
our local languages!
The Philippines has 170+ languages, solidifying the richness of our national identity. However, as of 2021, the Expanded Graded Intergenerational Scale (EGIDS) has reported that 45 of our local languages are already endangered or dying.
THE PROBLEM
The Philippines is home to a rich and diverse array of languages, with over 170 languages spoken throughout the country. However, many of these languages are endangered, with some at risk of disappearing altogether. The obvious solution to this problem is language preservation, and one key component of this is the collection of linguistic data.
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Unfortunately, there is currently no unified and sustainable effort to collect linguistic data for language documentation in the Philippines. While there are individual researchers and organizations working on language documentation efforts, there is no centralized platform for collecting and organizing linguistic data available to public yet.
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This lack of coordination and standardization makes it difficult to ensure that linguistic data are collected in a systematic and comprehensive manner. It also makes it harder to share data between researchers and communities, and to ensure that the data is accessible to future generations.
THE SOLUTION
One potential solution to this problem is to develop a national language documentation strategy, which would provide a framework for coordinated and sustained language documentation efforts in the Philippines. This strategy involves the development of a centralized platform for collecting and organizing linguistic data, as well as guidelines and standards for data collection and analysis.
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The strategy will involve collaboration with communities throughout the Philippines, to ensure that their language documentation needs and priorities are taken into account. This will include training and capacity building for community members, as well as the development of community-led language documentation initiatives.
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Overall, the unavailability of a unified and sustainable effort to collect linguistic data for language documentation in the Philippines is a significant challenge. So our solution is to develop a national language documentation strategy to ensure that the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Philippines is preserved and promoted for future generations.
Our Tool: The Talasalita App
A unified web-based and mobile-based linguistic data collection app and language documentation platform to assist researchers, linguists, and local community members in collecting and documenting linguistic data for the various languages spoken in the Philippines.
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APP FEATURES
Translate for a Cause
Be a volunteer community translator by translating short stories, poems, film scripts, random texts, etc., in any Philippine language to enrich our language corpus.
Help Enrich Our Local Dictionaries
Help add terms with descriptions and other supporting audio, photo, and video references to our local dictionaries to help document endangered or lesser-known languages that may not have an established dictionary or reference material.
Directory of Philippine Languages
A comprehensive reference that provides information on the various languages spoken throughout the Philippines.
Language Data Bank
​An online database that serves as a repository of linguistic and cultural information on the different languages spoken in the Philippines. It includes audio and video recordings, texts, dictionaries, grammars, and other linguistic resources available for download and use by researchers, linguists, educators, and other interested individuals.
Partnerships & Donations
Provides information on how individuals and organizations can support the development and sustainability of our linguistic data collection and language documentation campaigns.
Shop for a Cause
Provides information on the available merchandise items available in which proceeds go to the sustainability of our languistic data collection and language documentation campaigns.
Help us bring the Talasalita app come to life!
We are launching a vital initiative to preserve and revitalize the rich linguistic diversity of the Philippines. Our mission is to develop a linguistic data collection app that will serve as a powerful tool for documenting endangered Philippine languages. To bring this vision to life, we are organizing a donation drive, inviting individuals, organizations, and language enthusiasts to contribute towards the development and implementation of this app. By donating, you will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the cultural heritage and linguistic wealth of the Philippines.
Our linguistic data collection app will be designed as a user-friendly platform that allows speakers of endangered Philippine languages to contribute their linguistic knowledge and data. It will serve as a language documentation platform to assist researchers, linguists, and local community members in collecting and documenting linguistic data for the various languages spoken in the Philippines.
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Language Documentation: The app will help capture and preserve linguistic data, including vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and cultural context, ensuring that valuable knowledge is recorded for future generations.
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Revitalization Efforts: By documenting endangered languages, the app will provide a foundation for language revitalization efforts, facilitating the development of teaching materials, dictionaries, and language learning resources.
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Research and Academic Studies: Linguists and researchers will have access to a comprehensive database of linguistic data, supporting in-depth research, comparative studies, and linguistic documentation.
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Community Empowerment: The app will empower language communities, providing them with a platform to actively participate in language preservation and share their cultural heritage with a broader audience.
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Language Advocacy: The app will raise awareness about the importance of linguistic diversity and the need to preserve endangered languages, encouraging dialogue and advocacy for language rights and revitalization.
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How Donations
Can Make a Difference
Your generous donations will directly contribute to the development, maintenance, and promotion of the linguistic data collection app. Specifically, the funds will be allocated to:
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App development and design
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User interface and user experience enhancements
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Server infrastructure and data storage
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Security and privacy measures
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Outreach and awareness campaigns
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Continuous updates and improvements based on user feedback
Ways to donate:
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Online Donations: Visit our website, where you will find a secure online donation portal. You can contribute a one-time donation or set up recurring donations according to your preference.
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Corporate Sponsorship: We welcome corporate partnerships and sponsorships. By aligning your brand with our cause, you can demonstrate your commitment to cultural preservation and community empowerment.
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Fundraising Events: Organize fundraising events in your local community, educational institutions, or workplaces. These events can include language workshops, cultural festivals, charity runs, or benefit concerts to raise funds for the app development.
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In-Kind Contributions: If you are unable to make a financial donation, you can contribute by providing technical expertise, hosting services, marketing support, or any other resources that can aid in the app development and promotion.
Balarila Translation Services
2nd floor, RGGB Building, Central Libjo,
Batangas City, Batangas, Philippines, 4200
+639663360531