In the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico, a unique initiative is underway to preserve the rich linguistic heritage of the Tzotzil Maya people. Andrés Ta Chikinib, a 29-year-old poet, teacher, and communicator from Zinacantán, is employing artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT, as a novel tool to ensure the survival of his ancestral language. Faced with a scarcity of educational resources, Chikinib has taken on the role of educator for the AI, meticulously training it with the specific vocabulary, grammatical structures, and cultural nuances of his regional Tzotzil dialect. He has deliberately omitted Spanish translations to maintain the purity and integrity of the Tzotzil language.
Chikinib describes his interaction with ChatGPT as akin to teaching a diligent student. "ChatGPT became another student: persistent and inquisitive, demanding clarity and coherence," he remarked. This collaborative process has allowed the AI not only to absorb lessons but also to formulate questions, identify linguistic patterns, and even recognize unique Tzotzil roots. This method emphasizes the living logic of the language, moving beyond rigid translation models and fostering a deeper understanding within the AI.
The Tzotzil language is spoken by over 400,000 people in Chiapas, a state with a significant indigenous population, where Tzotzil and Tzeltal together constitute over 70% of the indigenous community. Despite some linguistic scholars expressing concerns about potential "linguistic colonialism," Chikinib views his endeavor as a crucial step toward digital visibility and institutional recognition for Tzotzil. He believes that by engaging with AI, the language gains a digital presence, making it more accessible to future generations and fostering a sense of cultural preservation in the digital age.
This innovative approach aligns with broader efforts in AI-assisted language preservation. Artificial intelligence offers powerful tools for documenting and revitalizing endangered languages, including automated transcription and machine learning models. Initiatives like Google Arts & Culture's Woolaroo app, launched in 2021, aim to engage younger generations with indigenous languages through interactive exploration. However, challenges remain, such as the scarcity of data for low-resource languages and the ethical considerations surrounding data ownership and cultural representation.
Chikinib's work highlights the potential for AI to serve as a bridge between traditional knowledge and modern technology. By actively involving indigenous communities in the development of AI tools, there is a greater opportunity to ensure these technologies support, rather than undermine, cultural integrity and linguistic diversity. His dedication to teaching ChatGPT directly in Tzotzil, without Spanish intermediaries, is a testament to his commitment to preserving the language's unique essence for generations to come.