Will train youths to enrich Assamese Wikipedia: AXX President Kuladhar Saikia

LANGUAGE MATTERS

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Axam Xahitya Xabha (AXX) will train youths across the State to enable them to make value addition to Assamese Wikipedia, the Assamese language edition of Wikipedia.

After lifting of the lockdown the AXX will organize workshops in different districts to impart training to youths. The Assamese Wikipedia came into existence on June 2, 2002. Any registered volunteer can contribute facts, history and other valuable insights about Assam and the Assamese language to the website for free.

AXX president Kuladhar Saikia told this reporter that his recent appeal on the issue through his official Twitter and Facebook accounts received good responses and many Assamese youths residing in foreign countries started contributing to Assamese Wikipedia.

“I had video conferencing with the Assamese students and youths now staying abroad, including US and France. We have seen 50 to 60 new registered volunteers and they are contributing to enrich the contents of the Assamese Wikipedia,” Saikia, a Sahitya Akademi awardee, said.

Saikia, who was former State Director General of Police said there is a necessity to involve the younger generation to enrich the Assamese Wikipedia. He said the move aims at strengthening the global reach of the Assamese language and Assam’s history.

“After lifting of the lockdown we will organize workshops in different districts to train youths for the purpose,” Saikia said.

Saikia urged the people to submit Assamese words to Google Translate, which instantly translates words, phrases, and web pages between English and over 100 other languages. The service was currently accepting submission of Assamese words to its vast vocabulary.

“Anyone can submit Assamese words and phrases to Google Translate for free. As the words are submitted, an expert group verifies them before adding it to the online dictionary and vocabulary. Once Google has enough words and phrases, it will enlist the Assamese language in its translation service as well,” Saikia said.

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