Multilingual E-data Solutions
Asuilaak is an online, web-based collaborative dictionary of all Inuit languages. It is being built by two methods. Firstly, it is gradually being loaded with data from published dictionaries and word lists; secondly, it accepts contributions from any user of the dictionary.
Louis-Jacques Dorais’ The Inuit Language of Igloolik was the first title to be loaded. A significant part of his 1000 Inuit Words has also been loaded which provides data in a wide range of dialects. The uni-lingual syllabic Inuktitut-only dictionary: Inuktitut Dictionary Tununiq Dialect is now also largely loaded. Automatic transliteration routines allow access in both syllabic Inuktitut and standard ICI Roman orthography. When a word in this uni-lingual dictionary also appears in other, bilingual or trilingual lists then access is also available in those other languages to this formerly uni-lingual data. Work is also underway to load the ten specialized glossaries from Nunavut Arctic College in Iqaluit.
Data which is contributed by users of the dictionary is reviewed a dictionary administrator who determines whether or not it should be added to the database. Comments from users also form part of the structure of the dictionary.
Special Equipment
Video projector connectable to PC laptop computer.
Outcomes and Transferability
Conference attendees will be interested in how the most modern Internet technology can be used to help promote and preserve the Inuit language.
Relation to Conference Theme:
Voices from Indigenous Communities: Research, Reality and Reconciliation
Asuilaak has been designed to be a practical tool for research in the Inuit language, for addressing the reality of the need for convenient and practical dictionary resources and for the promotion of understanding between Inuit and non-Inuit cultures.