As Tir Yimyim, the Ao vernacular newspaper, celebrated its 22nd anniversary on October 8 in Dimapur, a new website, AoLingo.in, was launched to help preserve and promote the Ao Naga language.
AoLingo is an AI-powered platform that translates English to Ao and Ao to English, which is currently in its learning phase, inviting contributions from the community. K Temjen, proprietor of Tir Yimyim, said not all Ao words have been added yet, and users are encouraged to submit words, correct errors, and provide feedback to improve translations.
The project is spearheaded by Bendangnüksüngi, a Machine Learning Engineer based in Amsterdam, with support from Tir Yimyim. Bendang described AoLingo as his passion project, aiming to preserve the Chungli dialect and connect users with the rich cultural heritage of the Ao people.
“Indigenous languages like Ao carry centuries of cultural wisdom and oral traditions,” Bendang said. “Through AoLingo, we hope to keep this language alive for future generations.”
AoLingo is accessible at AoLingo.in and welcomes feedback from anyone wishing to contribute to the project. The website was formally launched by L. Mongkum Jamir, president of the Business Association of Nagas.
As part of the event, winners of the fiction writing competition in the Ao language, jointly organized by Tir Yimyim and the Bookipedia Foundation, were also announced. A total of 26 entries were received. Marnungtet Ozukum was adjudged the winner, while Imli P. Lemtur and S. Aosungkum Ozukum were declared joint second-place winners, and Temjentenzük and M. Senti Jamir were declared joint third-place winners.
The president of Ao Senso Telungjem Dimapur, Ningsangwaba Pongen, also exhorted the gathering.