"Finally Add Audio to Duolingo's Navajo Lessons"
"Finally Add Audio to Duolingo's Navajo Lessons"
The Issue
Dear Duolingo,
We, the language lovers that we are, firmly request that you incorporate AUDIO into your NAVAJO Language Lessons. TO LISTEN IS TO LEARN. As Navajo was originally a strictly spoken language with no writing system, it makes no sense to exclude speech.
So to keep this vulnerable language alive, you must speak it. How can one do so if they have never HEARD it, and its pronunciations? This omission hinders learners from fully grasping the intricacies of pronunciation and the intonation of this unique, beautiful language. We cannot go on without Audio included in Navajo lessons.
Eager learners of this language have been disappointed for 5 years that Duolingo has not included Audio yet - You should not release languages without the effort or plan to ever include audio.
Navajo is one of the most widely spoken Native American languages in the United States and holds immense cultural significance. With 170,000 speakers dwindling every year, preserving and promoting this endangered language is vital for both present and future generations. It would be an EASY task for an organization like Duolingo to seek out Navajo speakers and collaborate with them to record audio. It would not only provide a better language experience for all, but further support the Dine community and offer jobs.
We understand that developing audio content requires time and resources; however, we firmly believe that investing in such an important language like Navajo is worth it and directly aligns with Duolingo's mission and goals.
Furthermore, adding audio support could attract more users interested in learning indigenous languages and exploring diverse cultures. It will demonstrate Duolingo's dedication to fostering linguistic diversity worldwide.
We URGE YOU at Duolingo to consider our request seriously by prioritizing the inclusion of audio in your Navajo lessons as soon as possible. Let us work together towards preserving linguistic heritage.
THANK YOU for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
NAOMI GARCIA and NAVAJO Learners worldwide!
262
The Issue
Dear Duolingo,
We, the language lovers that we are, firmly request that you incorporate AUDIO into your NAVAJO Language Lessons. TO LISTEN IS TO LEARN. As Navajo was originally a strictly spoken language with no writing system, it makes no sense to exclude speech.
So to keep this vulnerable language alive, you must speak it. How can one do so if they have never HEARD it, and its pronunciations? This omission hinders learners from fully grasping the intricacies of pronunciation and the intonation of this unique, beautiful language. We cannot go on without Audio included in Navajo lessons.
Eager learners of this language have been disappointed for 5 years that Duolingo has not included Audio yet - You should not release languages without the effort or plan to ever include audio.
Navajo is one of the most widely spoken Native American languages in the United States and holds immense cultural significance. With 170,000 speakers dwindling every year, preserving and promoting this endangered language is vital for both present and future generations. It would be an EASY task for an organization like Duolingo to seek out Navajo speakers and collaborate with them to record audio. It would not only provide a better language experience for all, but further support the Dine community and offer jobs.
We understand that developing audio content requires time and resources; however, we firmly believe that investing in such an important language like Navajo is worth it and directly aligns with Duolingo's mission and goals.
Furthermore, adding audio support could attract more users interested in learning indigenous languages and exploring diverse cultures. It will demonstrate Duolingo's dedication to fostering linguistic diversity worldwide.
We URGE YOU at Duolingo to consider our request seriously by prioritizing the inclusion of audio in your Navajo lessons as soon as possible. Let us work together towards preserving linguistic heritage.
THANK YOU for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
NAOMI GARCIA and NAVAJO Learners worldwide!
262
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition created on September 17, 2023