Imagine you’re trying to preserve a beautiful butterfly. You take pictures of the butterfly and store them as data, thinking it will capture the essence of its vibrant colors and delicate wings. But here’s the catch: what if the pictures only capture the butterfly when it’s sitting still on a leaf, missing out on its graceful flight and intricate patterns in motion? This is similar to the challenge of preserving endangered languages using only data. While data collection combined with AI language models can help document languages, there’s a concern that they might not fully capture the dynamic nature of language usage. Without this dynamic understanding, how can we ensure that we’re preserving all the essential knowledge about how a language functions? This issue is vital to address to prevent the loss of valuable linguistic diversity. Exploring the research in this area can shed light on innovative methods to safeguard endangered languages for future generations.
Abstract
Many of our spoken languages are endangered and rapidly becoming extinct. Due to this, there are attempts to preserve as many of those languages as possible. One preservation approach is combining data collection and artificial intelligence-based language models. However, current data collection methods may only capture static data from a dynamic cognitive process. If data are not genuinely capturing the dynamic process, it raises questions about whether they capture all the essential knowledge about how a language functions. Here, we discuss the implications of this issue and its importance in preserving endangered languages.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.