The Balinese language underpins the unique culture of Bali. In some parts of Bali the language is still alive, but island-wide the Balinese Cultural Agency said that only 25% of Balinese can still speak the language. We are trying to reverse the decline while there is still a solid base of speakers with a Balinese cultural wiki, named as the 2018 International Linguapax Award winner. We need your help to take the wiki to the next level. Together we can save this language for tomorrow's children.
The Balinese language underpins the unique culture of Bali and is under pressure. Although the language is still spoken in pockets of Bali, the Balinese Cultural Agency estimates that only 25% of Balinese can still speak the language. Once the number of speakers drops below a certain level, it is incredibly difficult, and often impossible, to turn things around. We are trying to to intervene NOW while there is still a solid base of speakers in order to sustain Balinese culture for generations.
We are engaging the local and international community in developing a Balinese cultural wiki dictionary/encyclopedia. The wiki creates an important public resource while empowering people with the tools to strengthen this beautiful language. The wiki was just named as the this year's winner of the coveted International Linguapax Award in recognition its 'outstanding action' in supporting 'linguistic diversity.'
We've developed a solid base: over 1/3 million people have used the wiki (about 400-900/ day) with over 14,000 words entered with thousands of sample sentences from the public. There are new sections for books, people and places. But for long term impact, we need to take the wiki to the next level of content and participation to help Balinese become a strong and sustainable part of the modern digital world. Please donate now. You'll find several options to help tomorrow's children.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
