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Mother Language Day: Making Our Multilingual Identity Count On The Mobile Keyboard

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  • February 21, 2017July 1, 2022

On February 21, 1952, 4 protesting students died at the University of Dhaka after the police opened fire at the demonstrators. These students’ deaths in fighting for the right to use their mother language are now remembered on International Mother Language Day. On November 17, 1999, UNESCO proclaimed February 21 to be International Mother Language Day and it was first observed on February 21, 2000.

Speaking about multilingual identity, India is a perfect example of a society that thrives on its diverse set of languages. On an average, Indian citizens speak 2-3 languages effortlessly. Many of them, despite not having English as their mother tongue, are very comfortable in typing regional and colloquial words using the English keyboard, which basically means Transliteration.

To survive in a small town in India, knowing multiple regional languages is must. This is one of the primary reasons why the scope of transliteration holds tremendous promise in India’s vast digital landscape.

Everyone has one of those WhatsApp/Facebook groups where a spate of funny posts/forwards (that make us fall off our chair laughing), are posted either in some regional language or in our respective mother languages.

Be it birthday greetings or messages that go during specific Indian festivals, messages in the mother tongue (language) are a must. For some that are working away from their hometown, it’s nostalgic. For others, it’s plain ease of use.

We often wish our friends, relatives, and other acquaintances, on occasions like Diwali, Pongal, Ugadi, Gudi Padva, Christmas, etc. Things like this make us revisit the importance of understanding regional context through textual input on the keyboard.

Natural Language Processing (NLP) has a huge role to play
in deciphering regional mannerisms and expressions
with textual input.

What can it do after deciphering said mannerisms? Think Contextual Intelligence!

One way or another, we end up using our chat windows to make plans for numerous occasions. Wouldn’t it be great if we could get smart recommendations that are in lieu with the occasions?

Have fun texting and chating in regional indian
languages using the English keyboard through Xploree

Discussing what to wear for Diwali? How about a dress recommendation along with special offers for the occasion?

Craving for some barfi/other sweets this Diwali? How about recipes, or discounts if you wish buy them?

A suggestion for that Raksha Bandhan gift.

The aforementioned are just some of the things that can be done.

When it comes to using contextual intelligence, the Xploree keyboard holds tremendous promise. In the future it will likely double our delight during the many festivals that we celebrate, through its intelligent intent sensing capabilities.

It currently supports 110+ languages, users can simply choose and download their favorite language packs, become a transliteration ninja and switch languages with just a single swipe. After all, knowing multiple regional languages is must.

On the International Mother Language Day, this amazing keyboard indeed shows us the way to our future happiness. Kickstart the journey today, get Xploree now:

Download Xploree