Revitalizing endangered languages: a digital gamification approach to introduce and sustain Tenyidie culture

• Main Author: Liu, Ruiqian
• Other Authors: Alexander Coupe
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2023
• Subjects: Engineering::Electrical and electronic engineering
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/166888
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Indigenous languages are an essential part of the world's cultural diversity, but many of these languages are endangered due to a lack of effective preservation efforts. In Nagaland, India, the Tenyidie language is one such example, with only a few thousand speakers left. To introduce this language to the global audience and sustain its use among younger generations, we propose a digital gamification approach that combines storytelling, game design, and language learning. Our project aims to collect and digitalize Tenyidie folktales, which were an integral part of the oral tradition in Nagaland. We transform folktales into an interactive game that is both fun and educational. By incorporating language and cultural learning elements into the game, we aim to make the learning process more engaging and effective. The game is accessible through a laptop app that can be downloaded for free, making them widely available to both Tenyidie speakers and learners around the world. In addition to introducing and sustaining the Tenyidie language, our project also aims to promote the culture and traditions of the Angami community. By showcasing their folktales, traditional activities, and landmarks, we hope to foster a sense of pride and identity among the younger generations in Angami and to increase the awareness of the Angami culture and traditions worldwide. Our project has the potential to inspire similar efforts in other indigenous communities facing language loss, and to contribute to the larger movement to preserve the world's linguistic and cultural diversity.