Saving Languages
Ethnographic Field Study in India on AI's Role in Native Language Learning
Duration
3 months
Team
1 UX Researcher
1 Anthropology Researcher
3 Design Researchers
Research Methods
Ethnography
Community-Driven Design
Semi-Structured Interviews
BACKGROUND
PROBLEM
RESEARCH GOALS
UNESCO warns 3000 of 7000 languages are at risk of extinction by end of century
• Telugu, the language I speak, faces decline in usage among children due to global language dominance and reduced importance in education systems.
• Research shows storytelling is a powerful medium to transmit cultural values which are the key for learning languages and saving them from endangerment.
English: Can you please wait for me at the shop?
తెలుగు (Telugu): నా కోసం SHOP దెగ్గిర WAIT చేస్తావా PLEASE ?
Explore how AI can assist in teaching Telugu language and culture to children through storytelling.
The overarching goal was to identify AI design solutions that are culturally sensitive, child-friendly and leverage intergenerational knowledge transfer.
Examine how children perceive the cultural relevance of Generative AI imagery in their stories.
Identify children's design preferences and needs for AI-driven tools in language learning.
Explore how collaboration with elders enhances the cultural depth and authenticity of narratives.
Picture generated by ChatGPT of a telugu family wearing traditional attire. Does this provide an opportunity for children to learn about their culture?
IMPACT
• Developed ethical and culturally sensitive AI design recommendations using behavioral and emotional data from children and parents.
• Showcased expertise in mixed-methods research by integrating field studies and ethnographic approaches, resulting in actionable user insights.
METHODOLOGY
MIXED METHODS APPROACH
I designed a comprehensive research methodology to capture diverse perspectives
| Step | Participatory design workshops with children | Ethnographic study in family homes | In-depth interviews with parents and grandparents |
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| Goal | To identify motivations and design preferences for AI tools in language learning context | To explore family dynamics and language use in daily life | To understand elder perspectives on AI's role in language learning |
| Recruitment | 12 Telugu-speaking children (aged 6–13 years) and elders were recruited using a convenience sampling method. | ||
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PARTICIPATORY DESIGN WORKSHOPS
I engaged children directly in the design process to understand their preferences.
Cultural Probes
To understand the cultural and linguistic motivations of children, I asked them to write a story about their cultural artifact.
Kondapalli wooden toy
Panche - Traditional clothes
Story writing
Children had a lot of questions on fact & spell checks and Telugu - English word translation and cultural practices.
Children created infographics and stories from family memories.
Introducing ChatGPT
Explored AI capabilities by asking their questions and providing ideas on how AI can assist in language learning.
A child asks ChatGPT to Fact check about Veena
ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDY
I studied households to find AI opportunities for children's language learning.
Observed 10 households over 3 weeks, 4-5 hours per visit
Traditional practices: Documented daily rituals, festival preparations, intergenerational storytelling sessions.
Language dynamics: Analyzed code-switching patterns, context-specific language choices, and attitudes towards Telugu education and usage
Family dynamics: Examined power structures influencing language education choices and technology adoption
IN-DEPTH INTERVIEWS
Based on children's responses and household observations, I interviewed families about AI-assisted language learning.
• Logistics: Interviewed 15 elders, 60-90 minutes per session
• Design: Semi-structured interviews, open-ended questions, scenario-based discussions
Navigating interview questions
ANALYSIS
THEMATIC ANALYSIS
NARRATIVE ANALYSIS
To understand user needs, I categorized the data collected on AI interaction as
‘Likes’ ‘Dislikes’ ‘Design Ideas’
I chose narrative analysis to understand elder’s contextual stories, categorizing findings into expectations and concerns.
RESULTS
DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS
Balancing children needs and parental concerns, I focused on family friendly solutions promoting education through collaboration.
Tangible Interactive storybooks
Transforming Cultural Scholars Speeches to Tangible Interactive Storybooks for reading and speaking.
Cultural Creativity kit
AI-powered craft box for learning Telugu through handwriting recognition and cultural-themed crafts.
Learning Wall projector
AI projector for interactive language games, cultural exploration, and story visualization.
Conceptual product of cultural creativity kit blending traditional crafting with technology for an educational and entertaining experience.
Telugu Ancestral Story Garden
AR app overlaying authentic Telugu stories in real-world settings, encouraging story creation with elders.
Conceptual product of wall projector transforming a child's room into an interactive learning display.
TAKEAWAYS
• Embrace Ethical AI practices
Throughout this project, I grappled with the profound impact AI can have on language and culture through strong ethical foundation. This mindset shift helped me see how technology can be a powerful ally in preserving heritage and fostering trusted learning environments, rather than diminishing the richness of human language and tradition.
• Think community, not just individual
When I first approached the design process, I found myself fixating on individual user needs. By embracing a community-driven design approach, I uncovered insights that led to more inclusive and effective product solutions. This lesson taught me that true innovation often comes from understanding the collective, not just the individual.
AWARDS
Dr. Frank Burke Endowed Graduate Research Award
Research Funding: $700
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