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Oral and written memory have been pillars that keep the historical and cultural heritage of humanity alive. But what happens when the languages in which these memories are narrated disappear? Throughout history, many native languages have been relegated for various reasons. Although there are almost 7,000 native languages in the world, nearly half are at risk of disappearing when their last speakers leave us.
The Loss of Tradition: A Personal Reflection
A personal story makes me reflect: recently, I lamented the loss of a highly valued family recipe. This recipe, passed down orally through several generations, was lost due to a medical condition that prevents its custodian from communicating it. This event awakened a deep nostalgia in me and made me wonder what an entire community feels when they realize their historical and cultural values are forever trapped in words that can no longer be spoken. Games, songs, stories, and ancestral knowledge of great utilitarian value... disappear.
Preserving Native Languages: The Oaxaca Project
Between 2019 and 2020, the Endless OS Foundation, in collaboration with the Alfredo Harp Helú Foundation, embarked on an innovative project to preserve the native languages of Oaxaca, Mexico. This project directly impacted over 5,000 people in at least 16 communities through the distribution of the Endless technological solution. More than 1,000 computers, both desktops and laptops, were delivered, all equipped with the Endless operating system. This system is free, open-source, highly resistant to viruses, and has an interface as intuitive as that of the smartphones most people use daily.
The Endless operating system includes over 100 free pre-installed programs, eliminating the need for an internet connection. These programs range from office applications and encyclopedias to a complete suite for creating multimedia materials, such as photo, video, and audio editing. It also includes educational video games, game design tools, and much more.
Impact on Communities
This project in Oaxaca allowed communities without technological devices and with very limited internet connectivity to use the provided technology to create and share books, stories, and multimedia pieces about their communities. As a result, new generations could learn and practice their native languages, helping to keep them alive.
Re-Encounter of Digital Indigenous Language Activism
In June of this year, the "Re-Encounter of Digital Indigenous Language Activism" was held in downtown Oaxaca, organized by the "Endless Oaxaca Multilingual" program, the Juan de Córdova Research Library, the Alfredo Harp Helú Foundation, Rising Voices, and SURCO. This event brought together activists committed to promoting and revitalizing their indigenous languages using digital and web tools, and with strong interest in learning how to create serious games. The objective focused on strengthening networks of activists and reflecting on a decade of efforts to preserve, promote, and revitalize indigenous languages in digital spaces.
Heroes of Indigenous Language Preservation
I had the privilege of attending the event and meeting heroes who tirelessly fight to keep their languages alive. With their own resources and unwavering determination, these activists work daily to preserve their communities' heritage through the transmission of oral and written traditions.
Tsotsil Artist: A mother and talented Tsotsil artist who creates illustrations for the youngest members of her community, both in Chiapas and elsewhere. Her drawings not only entertain but also educate and effectively keep her people's history alive.
Kumiay Cultural Revitalizer: A young indigenous man who has revitalized ancient traditional games and ancestral songs of the Kumiay culture. His efforts not only preserve these practices but reintroduce them into daily life, creating a tangible link between past and present generations.
Yucatec Maya Musician: A university professor who teaches during the day and uses music at night to teach the Yucatec Maya language. His work demonstrates how education and culture can combine to strengthen a community's identity and language.
Cultural Resistance and Future Aspirations
These activists are more than just fighters for a cause; they represent cultural resistance. I am inclined to express my admiration with this metaphor: during the day, they fulfill their daily responsibilities, whether as teachers in rural schools or as field workers. But when night falls, they become superheroes, guardians of stories, songs, and legends that form the backbone of their cultural heritage.
The Endless OS Foundation is proud to support this struggle. Recently, I dreamed of the day when these activists, and many more around the world, create video games that motivate children and young people in their communities to value, learn, and preserve their languages. This would not only breathe life into the cultural heritage of their ancestors but also add value to their cultures.
These projects in Oaxaca not only facilitate the gathering of activists; they are a reaffirmation of the power and importance of our cultural roots. These language superheroes show us how, in every word, lies the strength of a living culture. With their dedication, they ensure that these languages and traditions not only survive but thrive in the modern world... and one day, perhaps, they will achieve this even more effectively through video games.
Author - Alejandro Farfán
Born and raised in Guatemala, Alejandro has a 25-year career leading multidisciplinary teams in multinational and local companies. He has stood out for his commitment to social impact initiatives, especially in technology and education. He has had a 10-year relationship with Endless and considers himself an evangelist of the mission to empower people through technology.
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