"Lipī" (script) + "Pāla" (guardian) = Preserving India's linguistic heritage through AI
LipiPala AI is an open-source initiative dedicated to preserving, documenting, and revitalizing endangered Indian languages using artificial intelligence. By combining advanced NLP, speech recognition, and community collaboration, we aim to create accessible tools for indigenous communities to preserve their linguistic heritage.
India is home to over 1600 languages, with UNESCO identifying 197 Indian languages as endangered. As these languages fade, we lose not just words but entire knowledge systems, cultural practices, and unique worldviews.
LipiPala AI provides a comprehensive platform that:
- Documents native speakers through audio/video recordings
- Transcribes spoken language to text using custom speech recognition
- Translates between endangered languages and major Indian languages
- Teaches through interactive learning resources
- Preserves cultural context alongside linguistic data
- Python 3.9+
- pip
- virtualenv (recommended)
# 1. Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/dearabhin/lipipala.git
cd lipipala
# 2. Install dependencies using Poetry
# This will create a virtual environment and install all packages from pyproject.toml
poetry install
# 3. Run the development server
# This command executes the main entry point within the Poetry-managed environment
poetry run python lipipala/main.py- Data Collection Module: Tools for recording, uploading, and organizing language samples
- Speech Recognition Engine: Custom models for endangered language speech recognition
- Translation System: Neural machine translation between endangered and mainstream languages
- Web & Mobile Interface: Accessible platforms for communities and researchers
- Learning Resources: Interactive lessons, games, and resources for language learners
- Phase 1 (Current): Core infrastructure, initial models for 5 endangered languages
- Phase 2: Mobile app development, expanded language support (15+ languages)
- Phase 3: Community building, offline functionality, advanced cultural context preservation
- Phase 4: Self-sustaining language ecosystem development
We welcome contributions from developers, linguists, cultural preservationists, and community members!
See our Contribution Guidelines for more information.
Detailed documentation is available in the docs directory or at lipipala.org/docs (coming soon).
- Join our Telegram Group
This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.
LipiPala AI acknowledges the indigenous communities who are the true guardians of these languages. We are committed to ethical AI development that empowers rather than extracts, and preserves rather than appropriates.
Built with ❤️ for India's linguistic diversity