Thousands of languages are endangered today, with many at risk of disappearing in a single generation. Artificial intelligence is now playing a powerful role in documenting and revitalizing these endangered languages.
Using natural language processing (NLP) and deep learning, AI can analyze audio recordings, transcribe rare dialects, and even generate grammars for languages with little or no written tradition. Projects like Google’s Woolaroo and Mozilla’s Common Voice are empowering communities to train AI models on native speakers.
By creating digital archives, speech recognition tools, and even AI-based translation systems, these initiatives help pass languages down to younger generations.
This application of AI isn’t about automation—it’s about cultural preservation, diversity, and inclusion. It’s a shining example of how AI can serve humanity beyond business and convenience.
As more indigenous communities gain access to these tools, AI may become the unexpected hero in the fight to keep humanity’s linguistic heritage alive.
