Building OpenSpeaks tools for language documentation and archiving

Community language documenters and archivists have long been recording and preserving their community’s knowledge in audio and video. However, the tools for subtitling, describing, and managing media require expensive infrastructure, technical knowledge and training. We are building open-source tools from the ground up based on community feedback.

This session will focus on three main tools: Subtitler, a subtitle editor; Bento, a file-folder organiser, media file analyser and compressor; and Tome, a metadata editor. These tools are not only web apps but are also optimised for environments with no/low-internet connectivity, as field documenters often have no or poor connectivity.

1. Deep-dive into design principles behind building inclusive open-source architecture
2. How to understand complex social and linguistic issues and use technology to address what can be addressed with technology
3. How to build user autonomy and dignity in design