The keyboard was launched on Friday as part of an Apple software update. It is the result of a partnership between the company and Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey, an organization that provides language education in 12 communities in Nova Scotia.

Some of the young people in the immersion will be able to communicate correctly using a keyboard that allows for Mi’kmaw spellingemphasizes Patrick Denny, a member of the Eskasoni First Nation, located 270 kilometers north of Halifax. They can further develop their communication skills and then pass them on.

Mr. Denny, 29, considers himself lucky to be able to speak and write in his language. His community has more than 1,000 speakers, but many of them are reluctant to write in Mi’kmaw.

In his opinion, this is mainly because these people are afraid of spelling mistakes. However, a keyboard adapted to their language will make it possible to standardize their use in a time when communication takes place mainly through text messages and social networks.

An evolving language

The collaboration between Apple and Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey is well established, notes the organization’s executive director, Blaire Gould. For them, it is crucial to combine traditional knowledge and technology.

I believe that languages ​​need to evolve. This development guarantees the survival of the languagesShe explains. We need to keep up with the times without forgetting our traditional methods. Instead, we must integrate new practices into our actions.

It was Apple that reached out to Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey last year, she explains. However, the California company did not respond to our interview requests at the time of writing.

Apple is keen to be involved in the revitalization of indigenous languages ​​and is clearly showing that with this initiativeemphasizes JR Isadore, the information technology manager of Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey.

According to Ms. Gould, Apple representatives met with Mr. Isadore – who has also contributed to the development of other Mi’kmaw language learning applications – as well as about fifteen elders from various communities who serve as advisors and custodians of the language.

She wanted the elders to approve the project and ensure that it was fair.