Interview with Ms. SIHAM BOULAKNADEL, Director of CEISIC
IRCAM updates its Computerized General Dictionary of the Amazigh Language
Updated version incorporates advanced search and navigation features
The Center for Computer Studies and Information and Communication Systems (CEISIC) has just updated the General Dictionary of the Computerized Amazigh Language (DGLAI), available on the Play Store via the link:.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ircam.dglai_app&hl=fr&gl=US
This work carried out by a team of engineers and researchers from this center, constitutes a significant and operational contribution and improvement capable of facilitating the use of appropriate terminology for a wide audience, particularly teachers and translators in the Amazigh language. and the search for the various meanings of Amazigh words.
For more details on this action, we asked a few questions to Ms. SIHAM BOULAKNADEL, Director of the Center.
Briefly remind us of the process of integrating Amazigh into digital technology accomplished by your center within IRCAM.
The process of integrating Amazigh into digital technology is an exciting and strategic journey. The first steps, initiated in 2003, which allowed the Amazigh language to establish itself in the digital landscape concern the integration of Tifinaghe into the basic multilingual plan, where the Tifinaghe alphabet was officially recognized by the international organization standardization in 2004, then the Unicode consortium in 2005; as well as the creation of a bouquet of fonts, available online, composed of more than 80 fonts. This bouquet of fonts was developed to meet specific needs: educational, editorial, or artistic purposes.
This process of codifying the character of Tifinagh and standardizing Amazigh paved the way for the development of tools and resources for its automatic processing.
Thus, a set of digital productions was produced. They are structured into 3 sections. The first dedicated to linguistic tools facilitating the use of the Amazigh language. It contains: a Transcoder, a Transliterator, a Concordancer, a Conjugator, a Braille Converter, and a Spelling Checker.
The 2nd section is dedicated to applications, particularly those intended for smartphones and tablets. It concerns applications dedicated to learning Amazigh, in particular ⴰⵡⴰⵍ ⵉⵏⵓ ⴰⵎⵥⵡⴰⵕⵓ (My first words), ⵉⵣⵡⵉⵍⵏ ⵙ ⵜⵎⴰⵣⵉⵖⵜ (Numbers in Amazigh), ⵜⵉⵣⵓⵣⴰⴼ (The jewels) and ⵜⵉⵏⴼⵓⵙⵉⵏ ⵉⵏⵓ (My tales).
Furthermore, the 3rd section is dedicated to resources. It contains, among other things, an electronic dictionary, a sound picture book intended for children, entitled “ⵜⴰⵎⴰⵡⴰⵍⵜ ⵏ ⵉⵎⵣⵣⵢⴰⵏⵏ” and a set of digital educational supports, to consolidate the learning of Amazigh and allow any learner to discover, learn and to test your skills via applications on CD.
?Why a DGLAI
The development of the computerized General Dictionary of the Amazigh Language responds to several essential needs which are at the heart of the preservation, promotion and evolution of the Amazigh language.
First of all, the DGLAI ensures increased accessibility to the richness of the Amazigh language. By making it available in electronic form, we facilitate access to this language for a wider audience, whether native speakers, learners, researchers or people interested in linguistic diversity.
In addition, the DGLAI offers flexibility and interactivity that go beyond the limits of traditional paper media. Users can benefit from advanced search features, hyperlinks between entries, and even regular updates to reflect the natural evolution of the language.
Additionally, the conservation and preservation of the Amazigh language are crucial aspects of this project. By digitizing the dictionary, we contribute to the preservation of linguistic knowledge, regional expressions, and cultural specificities associated with the Amazigh language.
Finally, the DGLAI can stimulate linguistic research by providing a rich knowledge base for linguists and researchers. Data collection, frequency analysis of term usage, and other aspects of computational linguistics can be facilitated by this form of documentation.
In summary, a computerized General Dictionary of the Amazigh Language represents an essential step towards the preservation, promotion, and development of the Amazigh language in the modern context, by exploiting the advantages of information technologies to meet diverse needs. of the linguistic and cultural community associated with this language.
?What does the new updated version bring to DGLAI users
The new updated version of the Computerized General Dictionary of the Amazigh Language brings several significant improvements that enrich the user experience and reinforce the usefulness of this valuable tool.
First of all, this update focuses on expanding the lexicon, incorporating new terms and expressions that reflect the natural evolution of the Amazigh language.
This allows users to stay informed about contemporary usage and expand their understanding of the language in various contexts.
Additionally, the updated version incorporates advanced search and navigation features, providing users with a smoother and more efficient experience. This release also emphasizes accessibility, with a friendly user interface and increased compatibility with mobile devices. Thus, users can consult the dictionary anytime and anywhere, promoting more extensive and convenient use.
Thus, the new version of the computerized General Dictionary of the Amazigh Language aims to offer users a more enriching, inclusive and accessible experience, while providing them with advanced educational tools to promote the understanding and preservation of the Amazigh language.
?Your future projects
As part of the computerization of Amazigh, our future projects concern the development of a predictive keyboard specifically adapted to this language, thus facilitating text entry for mobile users. In addition, the development of a grammar checker is currently being carried out with the participation of the Linguistic Planning Center.
At the same time, we are working in close collaboration with the Center for Didactic Research and Educational Programs on the development of a MOOC dedicated to learning Amazigh for adults, aiming to promote the language and offer educational opportunities accessible to all.
Our continued engagement in these initiatives reflects our determination to integrate technology in an inclusive and culturally respectful manner.
Your last word.
Our approach to computerizing Amazigh is centered on inclusiveness and cultural preservation. We aspire to create technological solutions that not only respect the linguistic richness of Amazigh, but also celebrate it.
This involves a continued commitment to perfecting the tools, actively listening to the user community and adapting our approaches to better meet the specific needs of those who use the Amazigh language in their digital daily lives.
Comments collected by: Moha Moukhlis