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STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The ongoing lockdown may prove beneficial to strengthen the global reach of the Assamese language and Assam's history.
The Axom Xahitya Xabha (AXX) has started making value addition to Assamese Wikipedia, the Assamese language edition of Wikipedia. The Assamese Wikipedia came into existence on June 2, 2002. Any registered volunteer can contribute facts, history and other valuable insights about Assam and Assamese language to the website for free.
"The Assamese Wikipedia does not have enough content like several other languages. In this digital age, the Assamese language will have to create a strong presence globally. The ongoing lockdown can be used to enrich the Assamese language while staying indoors. Since anybody can contribute, I urge everybody to come forward and utilize this lockdown period to strengthen the Assamese language globally," AXX president Kuladhar Saikia told The Sentinel on Thursday.
Saikia, who is also former Director General of Police (DGP), has made the same appeal through his official Twitter and Facebook accounts. His idea has drawn immediate attention and many have started contributing to the Assamese Wikipedia.
"I had video conferencing with the Assamese students and youths now staying in different foreign countries 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 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 is 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 Assamese language in its translation service as well," Saikia pointed out.