Preserving Language and Culture in a Globalised World: How AI Can Break Down Language Barriers Without Sacrificing Identity

Article by Dennis Hulsebos

In an increasingly globalised world, communication across borders has never been more essential. But for many, this has come at the cost of linguistic diversity, as dominant In an increasingly globalised world, communication across borders has never been more essential. But for many, this has come at the cost of linguistic diversity, as dominant languages, often English, overshadow local languages in international conversations. Imagine a world where, instead of everyone needing to speak the same language, people could communicate naturally in their native tongues, with AI as a real-time translator bridging the gaps. Such a shift would not only protect linguistic heritage but also encourage deeper cultural understanding. This vision for AI goes beyond mere translation; it represents a commitment to preserving language, identity, and cultural richness in our interconnected world.

A Pathway to Cultural Preservation

When we communicate in our native language, we express much more than words; we convey our culture, history, and worldview. Local expressions, idioms, and humour can bring a richness to conversations that are often lost in translation. Imagine a future where AI can provide real-time translation that captures these nuances, allowing people from different linguistic backgrounds to understand each other without needing to switch to a common language.

The implications of real-time AI translation extend far beyond convenience. For example, in a business meeting, each participant could speak in their native language, with AI handling the translation seamlessly. This would enable people to communicate authentically, with every cultural detail intact. Such an approach not only prevents linguistic erosion but also enriches global interactions by allowing participants to bring their full cultural identities to the table.

Bridging the Language Gap for All

The power of AI translation goes beyond merely facilitating conversation; it can empower those who lack the resources or environment to learn dominant global languages like English or Spanish. Many individuals around the world have limited access to language education or may live in regions where English and other widely spoken languages are rarely encountered in daily life. For them, global dialogue is often out of reach or restricted to simplified phrases that don’t fully convey their thoughts, perspectives, or creativity.

AI-driven translation can level this playing field. By allowing people to communicate in their native languages, AI makes it possible for anyone to express themselves fully and precisely, even if they haven’t had the chance to learn a second language. This opens up new avenues for participation in global discussions, innovation, and knowledge sharing, ensuring that ideas are understood accurately and in their entirety. Language is no longer a barrier but a bridge, allowing voices to be heard without the risk of ideas being diluted or lost in translation.

AI as a Guardian of Indigenous Knowledge

Real-time translation is only one facet of AI’s potential. Lesser-known languages, particularly Indigenous ones, carry centuries of knowledge unique to their communities and environments. They contain terms for local plants, weather patterns, social practices, and other concepts that are hard to capture in dominant languages. As these languages decline, this unique knowledge risks fading into oblivion.

By training language models on Indigenous languages, AI can help document and preserve them. It could allow communities to store vocabulary, grammatical structures, and even specific cultural contexts. For instance, some Indigenous languages have dozens of words for types of rain or snow, reflecting a relationship with the environment that is deeply rooted in cultural identity. By safeguarding these elements, AI can play a key role in preserving not only the language but also the deep, often irreplaceable insights tied to it.

Some may see the lack of written language as a problem, and it can be. But as seen very often with AI, there is always something innovative that makes it possible. Looking at OpenAI 4o and its spoken word way of working is the perfect way of making it possible with the smallest of languages.

From Monolingualism to a “Polyphonic” World

Today, the trend toward monolingualism, or reliance on a single dominant language, poses a threat to linguistic diversity. Real-time AI translation offers a compelling alternative: a “polyphonic” world where many languages coexist and thrive. Rather than requiring individuals to conform to a common language, AI could encourage people to speak freely in their own languages without communication barriers.

In practice, this could transform global gatherings, social media, and digital interactions into multilingual spaces where each person is fully understood, regardless of the language they use. For instance, an international conference could become a space where attendees communicate in their native languages, with AI-driven translation enabling everyone to participate equally. Such an approach could redefine professional and social norms, encouraging respect for cultural differences and reducing the pressure to conform to a single language.

Language as Identity in the Digital Era

Language is more than just a medium of communication; it’s a core component of cultural identity. For many, especially those from diasporic communities, maintaining a connection to their heritage through language can be challenging. AI-driven language models could offer a solution by making language learning and practice more accessible and interactive, particularly for younger generations.

AI-based language tutors, for example, could be designed to respect cultural contexts, helping users learn their native language while engaging with its deeper meanings. These tools could support the preservation of linguistic heritage, fostering a sense of pride and connection to one’s culture even within the digital world. By helping individuals remain grounded in their linguistic roots, AI could promote a more balanced relationship between global connectivity and personal identity.

Ethical Challenges in Language Representation

Despite the promise of AI-powered language preservation, there are technical and ethical challenges to address. Language models depend on large amounts of data to provide accurate and contextually appropriate translations, yet many Indigenous and lesser-known languages lack the resources required for training these models effectively. Furthermore, without careful attention to cultural nuances, AI models might inadvertently dilute or misrepresent these languages.

For example, certain expressions unique to a culture might be challenging to translate into another language without losing their significance. To avoid such pitfalls, it’s essential that developers work with native speakers and cultural experts to build these models. This collaborative approach would ensure that AI respects and accurately reflects the languages it is intended to preserve. Only by honouring the cultural and linguistic diversity embedded in each language can AI serve as a true advocate for linguistic preservation.

Conclusion: Toward a World of Cultural Connection

AI has the power to reshape how we communicate, not by enforcing a single language but by embracing the richness of our linguistic diversity. Through real-time translation, AI can allow people to communicate authentically in their own languages, preserving the cultural depth and nuance within each interaction. By serving as a guardian of Indigenous knowledge and reversing the trend toward monolingualism, AI offers the potential for a world where linguistic and cultural diversity are celebrated rather than sidelined.

This vision of AI extends beyond practical convenience; it offers a pathway to a more inclusive global society, where understanding does not come at the cost of identity. By allowing each of us to communicate in our native language while fully understanding one another, AI can create a world where we connect more deeply, not despite our differences, but through them. In preserving the diversity of our languages, we preserve the diversity of our human experience, ensuring that global communication enriches rather than erases who we are.