Tlicho Language app
an app designed to support language learning and
cultural preservation.
In Progress
About the project
The Tlicho language, also known as Tłı̨chǫ Yatıì or the Dogrib language, is a Northern Athabaskan language spoken by the Tłı̨chǫ (Dogrib people) First Nations of the Canadian Northwest Territories. Historically, Tłıchǫ Yatıì was primarily an oral language but faced challenges during the Canadian Indian residential school era, impacting its transmission. Statistics Canada's data shows a decrease in speakers, from 2,080 in 2011 to 1,735 in 2016. However, efforts such as the Tłıchǫ Agreement for Self-Governance have prioritized language preservation and cultural revitalization. The Tłıchǫ Government actively promotes language learning among younger generations, with Tłıchǫ Yatıì designated as one of two official languages. This app is a part of these broader efforts to create a supportive environment for learning and preserving Tłıchǫ Yatıì.
01
Visual Identity
Color
Typeface
Symbolism-Caribou
That’s where our stories are – in the caribou…that is our language; that is our culture.
-Anastasia Qupee
Caribou is an iconic species for Canadians and plays an important role in the culture and history of Indigenous peoples.The relationship with caribou is deeply embedded in the cultural practices of many northern peoples, and there is a deep spiritual connection also. Several traditional stories talk about caribou that transformed into people.
Drawing inspiration from this cultural icon, we created a lively and welcoming character for the website. This character aims to engage users and foster connections, embodying the spirit of the caribou and reflecting the rich cultural heritage it represents.
02
Research
Competitors’ Analysis
Co-Design Session with Experts
Co-Design session with end-Users
User Personas
Storyboard
Co-Design Sessions
We conducted multiple design sessions with culture and language experts within Tlicho Government. Additionally, we collaborated with Language experts from the Language department at the Nordic College, where we developed the content for the app. The courses we created are designed to assist Tlicho learners in their learning journey, supplemented by quizzes to track and evaluate their progress.
Flowchart for making the app
Flowchart for making the app
03
App Experience
Let’s customize your experience
Upon entering the app, users will be prompted to answer a series of questions regarding their age, literacy level, and whether they are Tlicho citizens. This information will be used to personalize the user experience within the app. Depending on their literacy level, users will gain access to courses tailored to their proficiency. Tlicho citizens may also have access to additional free resources. Furthermore, this information will help us understand the demographics of our users and serve as valuable insights for future app updates.
Course Section
The course section of the app is divided into two parts: situations and vocabulary. In the situations section, users can access topics like greeting someone, introducing themselves, talking about their family, and more. Within each scenario, they will learn the words, grammar rules, and other language materials necessary to master the conversation.
In the vocabulary section, users will find 45 sets of flashcards designed for various topics such as locations, travel, objects, and more. These flashcards are designed to enhance vocabulary and aid in language learning across different contexts.
Dictionary
In the dictionary section of the app, users will have access to over 13,000 words and can seamlessly translate between Tlicho and English, as well as English to Tlicho. They will also find comprehensive definitions, word breakdowns, and audio pronunciations for each word, enhancing their understanding and language proficiency.
Resources
The resource section of the app offers users a diverse range of materials, including Tlicho books, audio books, and videos. These resources are carefully curated to provide learners with an immersive experience that encoureges a deeper understanding and familiarity with the Tlicho language. By engaging with these materials, users can enhance their language skills and enrich their learning journey.
