Proposal: Leveraging Wikipedia and Wikidata for Lenape Language Revitalization

Introduction

The Lenape language, a vital component of the cultural and historical heritage of the Lenape people, is undergoing important revitalization efforts. Digital platforms like Wikipedia and Wikidata can play a significant role in supporting these efforts by providing tools for language learning, public engagement, and knowledge preservation.

Why Wikipedia?

1. A Platform for Knowledge in Lenape

Wikipedia can serve as a living archive of the Lenape language, allowing contributors to write articles about:

• Lenape history, culture, and traditions.
• Everyday topics like nature, technology, and science, making Lenape a modern, functional language.

2. Language Learning Resource

A Lenape Wikipedia can be used as an educational tool for learners of all levels, providing:

• Real-life examples of written Lenape.
• Opportunities to practice reading and writing in a familiar, digital format.

3. Community Engagement

Wikipedia encourages community collaboration, allowing Lenape speakers and language enthusiasts to come together to contribute content. This strengthens both the language and its speakers' sense of identity.

4. Preservation and Global Access

Lenape Wikipedia would make the language accessible worldwide, ensuring its preservation for future generations while raising awareness about Lenape culture.

Why Wikidata?

Wikidata, the structured data counterpart of Wikipedia, plays a complementary role in language development:

• Building Vocabulary: Wikidata can store Lenape words, definitions, and translations, creating a centralized database for linguists and learners.
• Enhancing Visibility: Lenape can be added as a language option in Wikidata, enabling the use of Lenape in labels, descriptions, and translations across Wikimedia projects.
• Language Technology: Data from Wikidata can support the development of tools like spell checkers, translation software, and Lenape dictionaries.

How This Could Work

Unami Wikipedia Incubator Project

There is already an existing Unami Wikipedia Incubator Project. Rather than starting a separate project, we encourage contributors to focus on building and expanding this Unami-language Wikipedia.

Community Involvement

• Collaborate with Lenape speakers, linguists, and cultural organizations to create content.
• Involve educators and learners to use Wikipedia and Wikidata as tools for language learning.

Benefits for Lenape Language Revitalization

• Cultural Preservation: Lenape Wikipedia would serve as a repository of cultural and linguistic knowledge.
• Education and Accessibility: Both platforms provide tools for learners and educators to engage with the language in new and meaningful ways.
• Global Recognition: Featuring Lenape in Wikimedia projects increases its visibility on an international scale, highlighting its significance.

Call to Action

We invite the Lenape language and culture community to collaborate on this initiative. Together, we can build a digital presence for the Lenape language that supports its revitalization and secures its place in the future.

What You Can Do

Here are steps to get started and support the initiative:

1. Visit the Unami Wikipedia Incubator: Unami Wikipedia Incubator
2. Register a Wikipedia editor account: Visit Wikipedia and create a free account to contribute to the platform.
3. Learn the basics of editing: Explore the Wikipedia introduction guide to understand how to edit articles, format text, and add citations.
4. Get familiar with Wikidata: Visit Wikidata and browse tutorials on how to add and manage structured data.
5. Join the WikiProject: A project directory will be created to coordinate the work. Go there, read the instructions, and indicate your participation in the list of project members.

If you’re interested or have suggestions, we would love to hear your feedback and explore how we can work together!