CREDIT: THE TAKE
Imagine trying to order blueberry pie and ending up with an entire recipe—ingredients included. Confused? Well, that’s exactly the kind of trouble AI runs into with indigenous languages, according to robotics educator Danielle Boyer. In a fascinating conversation, Danielle shares how she’s pioneering an innovative approach to language preservation, but—not without raising a skeptical eyebrow or two.
Did you know that by 2050, only about 20 indigenous languages might remain in the U.S.? Danielle Boyer, a dynamic young inventor and member of the Nishé community, sees a bright yet cautious path for AI in helping preserve these languages. As founder of The STEAM Connection, Danielle creates robotics programs that introduce indigenous youth to tech—without losing touch with cultural authenticity. Her robots, affectionately named Scobots (from “Sco,” meaning “let’s go”), cleverly link spoken English or Spanish to authentic indigenous voice recordings. The robots don’t just translate; they celebrate cultural identity and encourage youth to embrace their heritage in a truly innovative way.
However, Danielle also warns against the pitfalls of relying solely on AI. For instance, in her own language, Nish Moen, a seemingly simple term like “blueberry pie” actually expands into a full ingredient breakdown spanning over twenty words. “AI might deliver accuracy,” Danielle explains, “but it can’t capture the authenticity and community context that comes from genuine human interaction.”
The takeaway? AI can be a supportive friend—but never the main storyteller. Watch the whole video here:
Curious about the future of AI and indigenous languages, or do you have thoughts on AI’s potential and limitations? Drop your insights in the comments—we’d love to spark some conversation!
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