Minority languages in the digital world. Empowering language communities to increase digital language diversity

The rich cultural tapestry of European linguistic diversity is severely underrepresented on digital media and almost completely excluded from the digital services which are usually available in EU official languages. In the digital domain speakers of EU regional and minority languages have fewer opportunities to use their language compared to speakers of major languages. As the world becomes increasingly digitized, those speakers are facing a 'digital timebomb', as their languages are unable to match the pace of digital development for dominant languages. Unless the rate of digital development and provision is improved for regional and minority languages, and in a language domain where it's vital to attract young people to the language, speakers of these RMLs will become increasingly marginalized and excluded. In this talk, I will present the concept, mission and outcomes of the Digital Language Diversity Project, the aim of which is to provide tools and materials for empowering language communities and strengthening the digital presence and use of their language.