Saving the Lokono Language

At the C.O.N.C.H, we're on a mission to revitalize the Lokono language, specifically the Ajian dialect spoken by the Lokono people in Guyana. With your support, we can help the Lokono people turn the tide on language attrition.  

Lokono is a critically endangered language that currently is estimated to have 2,000 native speakers, most of which are 50 years old and over.  We hope to partner with the Academic Council for Lokono-Ajian, a grassroots community based organization that is seeking to incorporate representatives of all the Lokono villages in Guyana (24+ villages).  They will help us organize the 36 native Lokono speakers into six teams to work on the Rapid Word Collection Workshop that will be held in Wakapoa village in July 2025.  

Together the C.O.N.C.H and the Academic Council for Lokono-Ajian will partner with the SIL, a non-profit organization that developed the Rapid Word Collection workshop with Kevin Warfel, Associate Dictionary & Lexicography Services Coordinator and Rapid Word Collection workshop consultant, who is our contact person.  

The Rapid Word Collection workshop is a 2 week event that gathers 36 Native speakers of a language that will be organized into 6 groups.  Each of the groups are tasked with translating words from various language domains.  The workshop guarantees if followed correctly, the creation of a 12-15 thousand word dictionary.  We seek to also include making an app for the Lokono dictionary.  Currently there are two available Lokono-English language dictionaries that each have less than 2,000 words.  Creating a 15,000 word dictionary with a phone app will be the first step in revitalizing the language, and provide access to the Lokono community in Guyana and abroad.  Please see the RWC website: https://rapidwords.net/

But we can't do it alone. We need your help to continue revitalizing the Lokono language by holding a Rapid Word Collection workshop. By joining us in this campaign, you'll be part of something bigger than yourself—a movement for positive change and social impact.

Your donation will make a real difference in the Lokono community in Guyana. Together, we can help the Lokono to succeed in their efforts to revitalize their language. Join us today and be a catalyst for change. Together, we can build a brighter future for all.

Thank you for your generosity and support.