MasterWord and UNESCO Partner to Preserve and Digitize Mayan Languages

Ludmila Golovine and Winston Scott at the UNESCO Meeting on Multilingualism, Paris, France● Photo Credit: MasterWord Services, Inc.

HOUSTON, September 30, 2024 (VSNewsNetwork.com) – MasterWord, a language services company, has announced a partnership with UNESCO to advance the preservation and digitization of Mayan languages through the Mayan Languages Preservation and Digitization Project. This collaboration supports UNESCO's efforts in multilingualism and aligns with the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL 2022-2032), aiming to preserve and promote the linguistic heritage of Mayan-speaking communities.

The Mayan Languages Preservation and Digitization Project, launched in May 2023, is an open-source initiative with the goal of safeguarding the cultural and linguistic traditions of over seven million Mayan speakers across North and Central America. The project provides various digital tools, such as talking glossaries and a universal Mayan language keyboard, to ensure equitable digital access for Mayan speakers. According to MasterWord, over 2 million words have been documented in 11 Mayan languages, with 200+ hours of audio content already uploaded to preserve spoken records.

"The partnership with UNESCO allows us to share what we’re learning with a global network. By fostering collaboration between indigenous communities and linguistic experts, we are building a practical roadmap for digitizing and preserving these vital languages, ensuring that future generations can have digital access and continue their rich traditions", said Ludmila Golovine, CEO of MasterWord.

Dr. Winston Scott, the project director, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative, stating, "By preserving Mayan languages and creating digital spaces for indigenous languages to thrive, we seek to increase educational and economic opportunities for millions of people through a grass-roots effort."

In collaboration with UNESCO, the project seeks to develop a technical roadmap for language digitization, which will serve as a model for other indigenous communities worldwide. Through this partnership, MasterWord and the project support UNESCO's Global Action Plan for the IDIL 2022-2032 by promoting cultural diversity and enhancing access to education and economic opportunities for indigenous communities.

For more information about the Mayan Languages Preservation and Digitization Project, visit www.mayanlanguagepreservation.org.

Source: MasterWord