Uniting Voices: Empowerment through Language Diversity

The vast amount of literature available in the world remains inaccessible to many, limiting educational opportunities and restricting access to a diverse array of knowledge and ideas. Scholarly publications, academic journals, and research papers predominantly exist in a few widely spoken languages, creating barriers for individuals without proficiency in those languages (Pauwels, Winter, & Winter, 2019). This exclusion results in a loss of diverse perspectives and innovative ideas, hindering intellectual progress. To address this, supporting community-led initiatives to develop educational resources and institutions in marginalized languages becomes crucial for preserving cultural diversity and providing intellectual opportunities to underrepresented groups (McCarty, 2018).

Despite the internet age, where access to data and resources seems more straightforward, there still exists a significant gap in language representation. The world boasts thousands of languages, estimated between 6,500 to 7,100, yet only a few hundred are adequately represented. This disparity results in a world where certain languages are privileged, while others remain marginalized and inaccessible, perpetuating inequality and limiting intellectual growth.

A 2020 survey by the World Wide Web Foundation reveals staggering data that only about 26% of internet content is available in languages other than English, leaving over 75% of the content in English. The other top 10 languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Portuguese, Russian, French, German, and Japanese, account for over 90% of the internet's content, while the remaining 10% is distributed among over 6,000 other languages.

India, a diverse country not only in terms of its people but also its languages, provides a relevant example. At the school level, students are taught in their mother tongues or even multilingual setups, fostering a solid foundation for grasping basic knowledge. However, as education progresses, the mode of instruction often switches to dominant languages, leading to difficulties in understanding complex concepts. This transition can leave numerous individuals with great ideas, solutions, and innovations struggling to convey their thoughts effectively. In the job market too, despite possessing extensive knowledge and skills, fluency in privileged languages often takes precedence.

It is crucial to change this situation and work towards providing equal opportunities for innovation, work, and understanding. As a country with immense potential, India must prioritize creating an inclusive environment that values linguistic diversity and ensures that every individual has a fair chance to thrive.

With the rise of AI and initiatives like the Universal Character Set (UCS), we have the potential to create a more equitable world, giving a voice to those who have long been silenced. AI-powered translation tools can bridge language barriers, enabling access to knowledge and ideas in individuals' native languages. The UCS is a set of characters that can be used to represent all of the world's languages. This makes it easier for computers to store and process text in different languages, aiming to create a shared knowledge platform that transcends linguistic boundaries, can foster inclusivity and democratize learning.

In conclusion, the vast linguistic diversity in the world demands that we break down language barriers to unlock the full potential of human creativity, knowledge, and innovation. By embracing technology, supporting community-led initiatives, and advocating for language diversity, we can bridge the gap and create a more inclusive world where intellectual growth knows no bounds. Let us unite in this endeavour to celebrate linguistic diversity and shape a brighter future for all.