Preserving the Past with Future Technology: AI and Language Maintenance

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18214513

Abstract

The rapid loss of linguistic diversity poses a serious challenge to the preservation of cultural heritage and collective identity worldwide. This study examines the role of artificial intelligence in supporting language maintenance and preservation, with a particular focus on endangered and low-resource languages. Using a qualitative, literature-based research design, the study examines recent scholarly work, reports, and documented case studies to analyse how AI technologies such as natural language processing, machine learning, and speech recognition contribute to language documentation, digital archiving, and revitalisation initiatives. The findings indicate that AI enhances the efficiency and accessibility of linguistic preservation by facilitating automated transcription, corpus development, and interactive language learning tools. At the same time, the study highlights key challenges, including data scarcity, linguistic complexity, ethical concerns, and the need for community involvement. The research concludes that AI is most effective when applied as a complementary tool within ethically grounded, community-centred frameworks that respect cultural ownership and linguistic diversity. By integrating technological innovation with human and cultural expertise, AI can play a meaningful role in sustaining endangered languages for future generations.