FirstVoices Chat is an innovative new keyboard app, developed by the First Peoples' Cultural Council, that is designed to make it easier than ever for First Nation youth to communicate via text messaging and social media in their own native languages.
Most indigenous writing systems make use of special characters that aren't capable of being used within the context of typical mobile phone technologies. This is where the FirstVoices Chat keyboard app comes in. The app allows users to chat in a wide variety of languages including Dakelh, Gitanmaax and Wet'suwet'en as well as several other indigenous languages from the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
FirstVoices Chat is a fine example of smartphone apps being opened up to welcome use by people from all cultures.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Multilingual Texting Apps
- The rise of innovative mobile apps designed to make communication easier for people speaking native languages.
- Indigenous Language Preservation
- The emergence of technology aiding the preservation and proliferation of indigenous languages.
- Cultural Accessibility
- The expansion of technology to include and cater to cultural diversity.
Where This Applies
- Mobile App Development
- Innovative app developers can use the success of FirstVoices Chat as an opportunity to create adaptive and accessible apps aimed at minorities and indigenous communities.
- Language Preservation
- Indigenous Language organizations can leverage the technological advancements to preserve, document and share languages and traditions.
- Cultural Advocacy
- Community Organizations can take advantage of the opportunities presented by accessible technology to advocate for increased cultural inclusivity and representation.
