A language interpretation and education application, developed in partnership with language keepers and under the authority of Traditional Owners. It enables accurate, culturally appropriate communication and supports the teaching and continuation of Aboriginal languages.
The Aboriginal AI Interpreter has four objectives.
Ensure Aboriginal people receive and understand information in their own language when accessing essential services.
Support the teaching and learning of Aboriginal languages in schools, communities and families.
Record and preserve language with its keepers, so it is passed on to future generations.
Keep authority over language and cultural knowledge with Traditional Owners and their communities.
The application is designed for schools, educators and families, providing structured language resources developed with and approved by language keepers.
Vocabulary, phrases and teaching materials for use in bilingual and language programs.
Audio and written guides that help learners speak language correctly.
Assists teachers and education staff to communicate with students and families in language.
Enables Elders and young people to learn and share language together, at home and on Country.
Interpretation between English and Aboriginal languages for service delivery and everyday communication.
Structured learning content and pronunciation guidance for students, teachers and community members.
Designed for use in remote communities, homelands and by the agencies that deliver services to them.
The application is governed by the following principles.
Language and cultural knowledge are used only with the informed consent of Traditional Owners and language keepers.
Language remains the property of its communities. Contributors retain authority over how it is used.
Restricted and sensitive cultural knowledge is excluded or access-controlled as directed by Elders.
Guided by the principles of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property and Indigenous Data Sovereignty.
Government agencies, service providers and educators, together with the Aboriginal communities they serve.
The application is currently in development. Agencies, schools and organisations wishing to participate in early access or pilot programs are invited to register their interest.