Wikipedia, the world’s largest online encyclopedia, has expanded its reach with the launch of an innovative and inclusive platform exclusively for the Santali language. Developed as a part of the Wikimedia movement, the new website, https://sat.wikipedia.org, aims to preserve and promote the Santali language by providing easily accessible and free information to its global community of users.
With an estimated 7.4 million native speakers primarily in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, the Santali language holds significant cultural and historical value. However, limited digital resources in Santali have hindered its progress on the internet. The launch of https://sat.wikipedia.org addresses this gap by providing a comprehensive knowledge base where users can contribute and access information across a wide range of topics.
The Santali Wikipedia website offers articles on various subjects, including history, culture, literature, and science, catering to the diverse interests of its users. It also encourages the participation of the Santali community to contribute their knowledge, ensuring the platform becomes a collaborative effort.
Competition in the space of Indigenous language preservation is noteworthy, and while several websites and platforms exist, they often lack the scope and resources of Wikipedia. Some competitors include the Sahitya Akademi’s Santali Dictionary and Bhasa Sangam. However, these platforms primarily focus on dictionaries and language resources, whereas Wikipedia encompasses a broader range of subject matter, making it a powerful medium to showcase and celebrate the Santali language.
The launch of https://sat.wikipedia.org marks an important milestone in the efforts to preserve Indigenous languages and cultures online. By democratizing information and empowering the Santali community, Wikipedia is playing a pivotal role in bridging the digital gap and ensuring the Santali language has a thriving digital presence for generations to come.
Link to the website: sat.wikipedia.org
