Are you passionate about protecting indigenous languages and their rich cultural heritage? The IndicWiki Project offers a fantastic opportunity for individuals eager to contribute to the digital preservation of marginalized languages. Through the Indigenous Language Development Internship, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring that these languages are represented and thrive in the modern digital world.
About the IndicWiki Project: Enriching the Digital Presence of Indigenous Communities
The IndicWiki Project, led by the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Hyderabad, aims to bridge the digital divide for indigenous communities in Telangana. The initiative focuses on languages such as Koya, Gondi, Kolami, Naikdi, Lambadi, Nakkala, Chenchu, Kaikadi (Yerukala), and Konda Kammara.
This project seeks to enhance the representation of these languages by developing open-source digital resources across several Wikimedia platforms, including Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, Wikisource, Wikidata, Wiktionary, Wikiquote, and Wikibooks. These contributions are crucial in preserving the linguistic diversity and cultural heritage of indigenous communities, while also providing valuable knowledge to their speakers.
Internship Program Overview: A Gateway to Digital Language Preservation
The Indigenous Language Development Internship offers an immersive experience where you will contribute to the development of digital content for Telangana’s indigenous languages. This internship will run from May 12 to June 30, 2025, and can be done remotely or in a hybrid format, depending on the specific needs of the project.
Internship Key Information:
Internship Detail | Information |
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Position Title | Indigenous Language Development Intern |
Organization | IndicWiki Project, IIIT Hyderabad |
Location | Remote / Hybrid |
Duration | May 12 – June 30, 2025 |
Time Commitment | 15-20 hours per week |
Application Deadline | April 30, 2025 |
Stipend | Unpaid |
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
The Indigenous Language Development Internship is open to individuals who are passionate about language preservation and who meet the following criteria:
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Language Skills: Applicants must be fluent in at least one of the target languages (e.g., Gondi, Koya, Kolami, Naikdi, Chenchu, Kaikadi, Lambadi, Nakkala, or Konda Kammara).
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Communication: Basic proficiency in English or Telugu is required for communication within the team and for training purposes.
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Commitment: A strong desire to support the preservation of indigenous languages through digital platforms.
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Eligibility: The internship is open to undergraduate or postgraduate students and recent graduates.
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Technical Knowledge: Applicants should have basic internet literacy. Familiarity with Wikipedia or Wikimedia platforms is an advantage, although training will be provided.
Role and Responsibilities: Contribute to Language Documentation and Cultural Preservation
As an Indigenous Language Development Intern, you will be at the forefront of preserving Telangana’s indigenous languages in the digital sphere. Your key responsibilities will include:
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Content Creation: Research, write, and translate articles for Wikipedia and other Wikimedia platforms. All content must be accurate, culturally sensitive, and linguistically correct.
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Collaboration with Communities: Work directly with local indigenous speakers and tribal communities to gather oral traditions, proverbs, and cultural insights for content creation.
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Community Outreach: Help organize and facilitate workshops that promote community participation in contributing to Wikimedia projects. This may be in a virtual or in-person format.
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Tech Integration (Optional): If you have an interest in technology, you may work with other tech interns to explore the potential of AI, machine learning, or natural language processing tools for enhancing indigenous language content creation.
How to Apply: Application Process and Deadlines
To apply for the internship, candidates must submit their applications online. The deadline for submissions is April 30, 2025. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so applying early is recommended.
What You Will Gain: Internship Benefits and Opportunities
Although this internship is unpaid, it provides immense value in terms of experience, mentorship, and networking:
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Practical Experience: Gain hands-on experience in linguistic documentation, digital content creation, and community engagement.
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Mentorship: Benefit from mentorship by experts in the fields of linguistics, technology, and Wikimedia projects.
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Networking: Collaborate with a diverse team and connect with the global Wiki community.
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Cultural Impact: Contribute to preserving and sharing the linguistic and cultural heritage of Telangana’s indigenous communities.
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Certification: Successful completion of the internship will earn you an official Certificate of Internship from the IndicWiki Project.
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Recognition: The top 30 interns will receive a ₹3,000 cash prize as recognition for their excellent contributions.
Conclusion: Why You Should Apply
The IndicWiki Project offers a unique opportunity for those passionate about language and cultural preservation. By joining this internship, you will not only gain valuable digital skills but also contribute meaningfully to the preservation of indigenous languages and traditions. If you are motivated to make a positive impact, this internship is an excellent chance to develop your skills while contributing to a noble cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for the internship?
Applications should be submitted online via the official application page. The deadline for applications is April 30, 2025.
Is the internship paid?
No, this is an unpaid internship. However, it offers invaluable experience and the opportunity to gain practical skills in language preservation and digital content creation.
Do I need prior experience with Wikimedia?
Prior experience is not required. However, some familiarity with Wikimedia platforms may be helpful. Training will be provided to all selected candidates.
Which languages do I need to be fluent in?
Applicants must be fluent in at least one of the following indigenous languages: Gondi, Koya, Kolami, Naikdi, Chenchu, Kaikadi, Lambadi, Nakkala, or Konda Kammara.
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