Targeting to empower native languages with the help of new technology, a team of computer scientists and linguists from the University of the Philippines-Diliman (UPD) developed a dictionary-making tool that can be used as an online dictionary platform for Philippine indigenous languages.
Project Marayum aims to preserve and save endangered Filipino languages. It allows users to learn about different local languages that could support their connection towards the community. Through this initiative, Filipinos can appreciate the different local languages outside the one-month long celebration of Buwan ng Wika.
Marayum, which means “wise words” in the Asi language of Romblon, is very easy to use.
Users type a local word in the search engine or browse the full list on the website. Each language corresponds with an English translation and also provides an example on how to use a certain word.
It also allows interested language communities to create an online dictionary whose content would be owned by the members and reviewed by assigned language experts. However, revisions are allowed only to registered language speakers and entries will undergo a review.
Users who want to contribute may apply for an account at the Marayum website. Those who want to use it as a reference can use it for free without creating an account.
The initiative is now available online at https://marayum.ph with four dictionaries: Asi-English, Cebuano-English, Kinaray-a-English, and Hiligaynon-English.
Meanwhile, other dictionaries are in the works, including Bikol-Buhi’non-English, Bikol-Central-English, Bikol-Rinconada-English, Masbatenyo-English, Kapampangan-English, Chavacano-English, Gaddang-English, Inakyeanon-English, Waray-English, and Ilocano-English. These dictionaries are being managed by their communities and the assigned linguists.
The website itself is owned and run by the UPD research team working in partnership with select regional universities.
Marayum is led by UP Department of Computer Science Assistant Professor Mario Carreon and is funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD).
This technology is just one of DOST’s many projects. Other similar innovations, development projects, and knowledge products will be featured at the celebration of the 2021 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) that will be held virtually from Nov. 22-28.
The one-week celebration of science and technology carries the theme ‘’Agham at Teknolohiya: Tugon sa Hamon ng Panahon.’’
For more information, visit the NSTW website at http://nstw.dost.gov.ph/ or the NSTW Facebook page at https://web.facebook.com/nstwdost.
