Google seeks to preserve rarest languages in Azerbaijan

Six languages - Muslim-Tat, Buduh, Hynalug, Kryz, Udi and Khalaj - spoken by ethnic minorities in Azerbaijan should be preserved for future generations, according to Google. Though more than 7,000 languages are spoken throughout the world today, researchers believe half of those will fade over the next century.

To combat that gloomy prospect, Google's official blog announced the launch of its Endangered Language Project Thursday. According to the project, Muslim-Tat language is on the verge of extinction. Other five languages of national minorities of Azerbaijan are classified as a group of languages being at risk.

The Endangered Language Project, which aims to save languages that are on the verge of extinction. Google says that there are over 3,000 languages that need saving, and feels it’s important to document them to preserve cultural diversity while “honoring the knowledge of our elders and empowering our youth.” The project aims to give those interested in preserving the languages a place to store the necessary information.

According to the website, the project is an online resource to record, access, and share samples of and research on endangered languages, as well as to share advice and best practices for those working to document or strengthen languages.

Of course, Google is no stranger to foreign language, with Google Translate is offered in 57 languages and search offered in more than 40, according to Engadget.

The Globe and Mail reports that the idea first came about two years ago when a group of users approached Google for support in kicking off an endangered-language preservation project they were running on YouTube.

Endangered Languages project running the Internet by Google, endangered languages around the world get a chance to save.


/AzerTAc/