(C) Global Voices
This story was originally published by Global Voices and is unaltered.
. . . . . . . . . .



Empowering Indigenous voices in the digital age: Stories from Guatemala and Colombia · Global Voices [1]

[]

Date: 2025-07

Meet eight Indigenous language activists from Guatemala and Colombia who are part of Rising Voices’ Indigenous Language Digital Activism Catalyst Program.

The Catalyst Program is the result of 14 years of dialogue with hundreds of speakers of Indigenous and/or minoritized languages who have expressed interest in using the Internet and digital media to promote and revitalize their languages.

In 2023, 63 percent of the world’s population was connected to the Internet, and soon that figure will reach two-thirds. However, the vast majority of online content is in English (almost 50 percent of known web pages) and Chinese, followed by Spanish and German. In Latin America, Spanish and Portuguese are the dominant languages, but there are around 560 languages spoken throughout the continent. Each is equally rich in culture, knowledge, and useful as a tool of communication.

After three editions of the program with 29 participants speaking Mayan languages in Mexico, we now present the first cohort from Guatemala, with participants who speak Mam, Uspanteko, Kaqchikel, and K’iche’ Maya; and from Colombia, with speakers of Nam Trik, Wayuunaiki, Quechua Qatsu, and Nasa Yuwe. In selecting participants, Rising Voices prioritizes a diversity of languages, ages, and genders, as well as strong community involvement.

These interviews offer insight into the paths of activists who, across territories as diverse as their languages, are using digital tools to develop projects such as dictionaries, ethnobotanical guides, children’s song translations, literature with children, audiovisual productions, and more. Just as importantly, each project is grounded in and benefits its respective community.

Get to know the program through the voices of its participants and the work they’re doing.

[END]
---
[1] Url: https://globalvoices.org/special/empowering-indigenous-voices-in-the-digital-age-stories-from-guatemala-and-colombia/

Published and (C) by Global Voices
Content appears here under this condition or license: https://globalvoices.org/about/global-voices-attribution-policy/.

via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds:
gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/globalvoices/