Preserving Languages: Open, Free and Accessible Knowledge for All

SADiLaR-Wikipedia-PanSALB (SWiP) is a collaborative initiative by the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR); the free encyclopaedia (Wikipedia) and the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB).

The project was officially launched on Friday, 22 September 2023 at UNISA (Main Campus – Muckleneuk), Pretoria. The launch event specifically highlighted isiNdebele  to encourage amaNdebele communities to actively participate in contributing to Wikipedia. This focus was because isiNdebele was one of the languages that lack data representation on Wikipedia platforms.

All project related enquiries can be directed to swip@sadilar.org

Project aims

• To bring together communities of language practice such as universities language directorates, and language entities practically to advance and celebrate the use of South African Languages.
• To encourage language communities of practice to actively participate in contributing to the free encyclopaedia (Wikipedia).

Target audience

Are you passionate about languages, culture, and the power of written expression? Language preservation is an endeavour that transcends generations. By joining the SWiP authorship training programme, you are not only honing your writing skills but actively contributing to the preservation of culture, histories, and identities.

This project aims to empower aspiring authors, language practitioners, lecturers, students, and the language community at large with the skills needed to contribute to the preservation of languages through writing.

Unlock the writer within you and embark on a journey to preserve languages, one word at a time. Find your voice and preserve your language!

Project roll-out

Phase 1: Completed

• SWiP Writing Competition– The competition provides an opportunity for both new and existing editors to engage in content creation while fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
• Two-day authorship workshops– Conducted across 6 regions targeting 10 universities and training 20 participants per university. Testimonies from participants
• SWiP side event & exhibition at SFSA2024– Preserving Languages & Scientific Information: Accessible Knowledge for All
• SWiP Project Launch– The event introduced a collaboration aiming to preserve African languages and open up access to scientific information in South Africa.

Phase 2: In progress

Phase 2 runs from November 2024 until October 2027.