INSPIRATION
Language is an important vehicle by which culture, thoughts, customs, stories, histories, and knowledge are communicated both verbally and in written form from one person to another, from one generation to the next.
There are over 300 million Indigenous people living in and across all parts of the world who collectively speak thousands of unique and sometimes related languages. These languages, developed over millenia are sacred ‘taonga’, treasures that express their lives, their spaces, places, people and lived experiences.
Over time, thousands of these languages have become extinct and we continue to lose hundreds of languages every year – sadly, one language dies every day! For millions of Indigenous people, loss of their languages has meant a continuing struggle to keep their sense, understanding and knowing of themselves as individuals, families, communities and cultures, alive.
The usual framework for the design of new technologies, including computer hardware and software, has resulted in mainly generic systems of communication being developed, which cater to linguistic majorities and "large markets", and often ignore the cultural and language needs of Indigenous peoples or "small markets". The socio-cultural impact this has on societies and communities that rely on communication systems to ensure future generations of their peoples do not lose intrinsic aspects of their unique languages and worldviews is becoming more critical in our increasingly global world.
As an Indigenous organisation, which strives to uphold the values of Māori, Pacific and Indigenous peoples around the world, the core strategic goal of CREATRIX as articulated in our vision is to be a primary driver in setting new standards for computer communication accessibility and usage primarily for Indigenous and endangered languages. At the same time, we endeavour to increase awareness and learning of our languges, lives and cultures amongst our non-Indigenous partners, communities, cultures and nations with whom we continue to build and maintain synergetic and beneficial relationships.
CREATING THE MĀORI KEYBOARD
Although Te Reo Māori has always been effectively communicated ‘kanohi ki te kanohi’ (face to face), our technologically driven society now influences our ways of interacting and communicating with each other. With rapidly increasing computerisation, the most common keyboard layout used (English/QWERTY) is not an optimal design for speakers and writers of languages other than English.
A computer keyboard enabling easy communication in the Māori language (Te Reo Māori) was initially conceptualized by founder Tania Haerekiterā Wolfgramm (of Māori/European descent) following a discussion with a fellow researcher. He mentioned that he was transcribing many hours of interviews conducted in Te Reo Māori, and that he found the task both difficult and time-consuming. Having recently returned from Noumea and observing her sister using the French keyboard, Tania realised how important it was for the keyboard to be designed and configured in the chosen language of the user.
After undertaking some initial research and development and determining that there was indeed a gap in this technology, I contacted my sister Rachel, a University of Auckland (School of Business) lecturer, and my cousin Rahuia Kapa, a fluent speaker of Te Reo, and asked for their advice and assistance in the project. Shortly thereafter she and the talented Ki Te Reo team, including Rahuia Kapa, Udhay Kadiyala, Rachel Wolfgramm, and Wikuki Kingi commenced the design and development of Māori Keyboard.
The most common keyboard layout, particularly the English QWERTY is not an optimal design for speakers and writers of other languages. In-depth research, focusing on the way that the language is learned, led to a keyboard specifically designed in the Māori language, making it more logical and intuitive for a Māori language user and writer. It has been extensively tested and evaluated throughout New Zealand by a broad range of users (spanning age, ethnic/cultural groups, Māori language / ICT proficiency) and is endorsed by Te Taura Whiri i Te Reo Māori (The Māori Language Commission).
Our company CREATRIX has, over the years, enjoyed tremendous support and encouragement from a number of organizations, including the Māori Women’s Development Inc, The Māori Language Commission; The Mira Szsazy Research Centre for Māori and Pacific Economic Development, and the Centre for Māori Innovative Development (CMID), University of Auckland, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, International Centre of Entrepreneurship (ICEHOUSE), Poutama Business Trust, Pou Kapua Creations, Te Puni Kōkiri, The Human Rights Commission, and many kohanga, kura kaupapa, whare wānanga, Māori and Non-Māori organisations throughout the country.
CREATE A KEYBOARD IN YOUR OWN LANGUAGE
CREATRIX is already taking the concept, designs and architecture of HAKAMANA Māori/English Multilingual Keyboard to benefit other Indigenous languages, including some of the American Indian tribes (Tewa, Osage), and other Pacific languages (inc. Tongan, Hawaiian, Samoan, Tahitian).
We would be happy to talk with peoples of any Indigenous or endangered language group around the world to assist with the design and development of a Multilingual Keyboard and communications systems in their own language. Should you wish to enquire further or have a discussion about this, please do not hesitate to contact Tania Haerekiterā Wolfgramm, Creatrix Director/Designer, on tania.wolfgramm@gmail.com