By Michelle Tirado

Indian tribes have really embraced technology, but when it comes to solutions and tools that can help them save their languages, their arms could not be open any wider.

As the Indigenous Language Institute sees it, there is a definite symbiosis from old knowledge and new tools. To show tribes just how harmonious this relationship can be, ILI launched, in collaboration with the University of Washington, a workshop series in 2001 called Ancient Voices, Modern Tools: Native Languages and Technology.

More than 300 Native American languages have already been lost, according to Santa Fe, N.M.-based ILA, and more than 75 of those languages went extinct over the last century.

“The Indigenous Language Institute regards the incorporation of modern technology and related training as essential and natural in our work to help bring our heritage languages from the brink of extinction,” said Gerald Hill, ILI’s president.

The series includes two four-day workshops. One teaches participants how to develop printed documents, like booklets, brochures and flash cards, using Microsoft Publisher. They also learn how to use scanning technology and create audio booklets (CDs).

The other workshop focuses on digital storytelling, which builds computer and multimedia skills to create short audiovisual stories in Native languages using digital storytelling templates. Participants get hands-on training in programs such as GIMP, Photoshop, Windows Movie Maker and Audacity, an audio software program.