Why do many language programs struggle with disconnected systems?

Short Answer #

Many language programs use multiple software tools, storage locations, spreadsheets, archives, and workflows that were never designed to work together.

Expanded Answer #

Language revitalization often evolves gradually. A community may begin with:

• Audio recordings
• Word documents
• Spreadsheets
• Printed dictionaries
• Archived materials

Over time additional tools are added. Examples may include:

• Cloud storage
• Translation software
• Curriculum systems
• Video archives
• Publishing tools

Each solution may address a specific need. However, over time, information often becomes scattered. Language workers may spend significant time asking questions such as:

• Where is that recording?
• Which version is current?
• Who has access?
• Where is the transcript?
• Has this already been translated?

The challenge is rarely a lack of effort. The challenge is fragmentation. Disconnected systems create inefficiencies that make language revitalization more difficult than it needs to be.