How does a community get started with Language Cloud?

Short Answer #

Most communities begin with the language resources they already have. Language Cloud is designed to grow over time and does not require a community to start with a large archive or extensive technical expertise.

Expanded Answer #

One of the most common misconceptions about language revitalization technology is that communities must have everything organized before they begin. In reality, very few communities start that way. Most communities already possess valuable language resources, even if those resources are scattered across multiple locations. Examples may include:

• Recordings
• Word lists
• Dictionaries
• Stories
• Lesson plans
• Photographs
• Historical materials
• Educational resources

Language Cloud allows communities to begin wherever they are today. Some communities start with:

• A few recordings
• A small dictionary
• Several stories
• Existing curriculum materials

Others begin with much larger collections. Both approaches are valid. The goal is not perfection. The goal is progress. Language Cloud is designed to grow alongside the community.