The Journey August 2024: AI translation and Siraya

Siraya is a part of Taiwan's Pingpu ethnic group, which is conservatively estimated to exceed 10,000 individuals. Owing to external influences, this ethnic group cohabited with Han people in lowland areas leading to severe linguistic attrition. The Siraya language was previously categorized as an 'extinct language' alongside other languages spoken by Taiwan's Pingpu ethnic groups like Hoanya and Basay on UNESCO's website. However, it has been reclassified as an 'endangered language.' The resurgence of Siraya is evidenced by the emergence of new textbooks and songs in the language, along with its incorporation into the curriculum at over 20 primary schools. What accounts for this revival?

A 17th-century oil painting depicting Dutch missionary perform infant baptisms for the Siraya.

The indigenous languages of Taiwan have always been passed down orally, but Siraya is one of the few languages that has left a written record. Siraya stands out as one with documented records. During Dutch rule from 1624 to 1662, schools were established in present-day Tainan (1636) aimed at teaching tribal youth how to transcribe their native language into Roman script. This script primarily featured within contractual documents referred to as the 'Sinkan Manuscripts'. Missionaries also translated religious texts such as the 'Catechism of Faith', 'Gospel of Matthew', and 'Gospel of John' into Siraya spelling for instructional purposes among believers. These written artifacts played a pivotal role in reviving a language that had remained dormant for over 100 years."

Siraya language being taught in the Siraya community

The revitalization of the Siraya language over the past two decades is attributed to a confluence of factors, including government language policies, collaborative support from linguists, effective promotional strategies, and the resolute determination of the community to revive their linguistic heritage. Wycliffe Taiwan organized an "AI Bible Translation" workshop from May 20 to 24 this year, with seven representatives from Siraya in attendance. Leveraging texts from the "Gospel of Matthew" and "Gospel of John" preserved by Dutch missionaries 400 years ago, we have produced translations for the "Gospel of Mark," "Gospel of Luke," and " Johannine epistles." Currently undergoing proofreading, the Gospel of Mark is anticipated to undergo requisite review processes before being recorded and developed into an audio Scripture App.

Seven representatives from Siraya group participating in the AI translation workshop

—Albert Fung, Wycliffe Taiwan