Phraselator Project

The Language Department has acquired a Phraselator that converts spoken words into Potawatomi by computer. Through training from the developer, the staff has learned how to use the equipment. The Language team including fluent speaker Cecilia “Meeks” Jackson completed the training and are utilizing the Phraselator teaching tool in their daily activities in the revitalization of the Potawatomi Language.

What does one do when their language is on the verge of dying? The Language and Cultural Department are always looking for new ways that the language can be shared with the Potawatomi Nation. First there were booklets with cassette tapes then CDs and even a DVD but now there is the Phraselator.

This device was developed originally to assist the soldiers in combat to communicate with various foreign languages. Thornton Media, Inc., through much negotiation with the Federal Government, was able to carry the contract for this device to better serve Native Language learners. With assistance from the Federal Government, the Phraselator was reconfigured for Native Language users.

Today you can use this tool to write English phrases into the data bank and then record your fluent speakers using those phrases and words. In addition, you can record stories, short videos and songs. It is a very handy way to have language at the tips of your fingers. In the past, if phrases were not recorded onto a CD by each phrase being a single track, then you had to take time to look for the phrase or else listen to a section to hear the phrase you were looking for. With the Phraselator, you have quick access to the phrase either by speaking it in English (voice command) or toggling it on the view screen.

This device has the possibility of reaching a wider audience of language learners when the Nation is able to purchase more. Feel free to contact the Department if you want to find out more about this or drop by and visit us to see how the Phraselator works.