A master thesis from Aalborg University
Designing for Revitalisation: A Community-Centred Approach to Endangered Language Engagement
Author(s)
Term
4. term
Publication year
2025
Submitted on
2025-06-01
Pages
72 pages
Abstract
This thesis explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can support the preservation and revitalisation of endangered languages through community-centred and ethically grounded design. Despite the growing interest in AI for language documentation and learning, many tools still fail to reflect the cultural complexity, dialectal diversity, and lived experiences of speaker communities. The project investigates how an AI-powered digital tool can be designed to bridge the gap between native speakers and language learners (heritage or second language) without imposing a uniform approach. Using mixed-methods research design, the study combines a systematic literature review, online surveys, and semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from various endangered language contexts. Quantitative data provides insight into engagement patterns, while qualitative data uncovers deeper tensions related to identity, trust in technology, and access to resources. The analysis is informed by Wenger’s theory of Communities of Practice, the concept of boundary objects, and Gee & Hayes’ framework of affinity spaces. Findings highlight a desire for digital tools that are modular, co-governed, and capable of supporting regional variation and cultural authenticity. Based on these insights, the study presents a conceptual design prototype of a digital platform aimed at supporting AI-assisted language revitalisation. The thesis contributes to current debates within information studies, human-computer interaction (HCI), and language technology by offering design directions that centre linguistic justice, community agency, and epistemic diversity.
Keywords
Documents
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