Practical AI Active learning & endangered languages
May 17, 2022
Join Sarah Moeller, an Assistant Professor of Linguistics at the University of Florida, as she explores the role of AI in saving endangered languages. She shares her journey from teaching English to diving deep into linguistics and machine learning. The discussion touches on the emotional bond between language and identity, emphasizing the need for community engagement in language documentation. Discover how innovative technology and personal connections can revolutionize language preservation and support revitalization efforts.
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Sarah's Journey to Linguistics
- Sarah Moeller's interest in linguistics stemmed from a move to Russia and teaching English.
- Witnessing language endangerment in Siberia and its social impact led her to language documentation.
Impact of Language Loss
- Language loss, often involuntary, is linked to high rates of suicide, depression, and substance abuse.
- Revitalization efforts can improve community health, as seen in a Canadian study correlating language programs with lower diabetes rates.
Language Dismissed
- Sarah encountered a community whose language, despite historical significance, was dismissed by education officials.
- This denial of linguistic identity underscores the emotional trauma associated with language endangerment.