Tłı̨chǫ Online Dictionary

Approximately one out of four users (28%) has unintentionally revealed information they wished to keep private while lending their phones to friends and family. While solutions exist on the market, they often fall short in fully concealing app presence, leaving potential leakage points.

Recognising this gap, we saw this as a massive opportunity to help users regain control of what their phone says about them.

In the initial phase, the project team conducted an in-depth study of the Tłı̨chǫ culture and language. This included a detailed examination of the Tłı̨chǫ language, traditional clothing, lifestyle practices, and handicrafts like beadwork. Extensive interviews with Tłı̨chǫ language and culture experts were conducted to gather accurate and reliable information.In the initial phase, the project team conducted an in-depth study of the Tłı̨chǫ culture and language. This included a detailed examination of the Tłı̨chǫ language, traditional clothing, lifestyle practices, and handicrafts like beadwork. Extensive interviews with Tłı̨chǫ language and culture experts were conducted to gather accurate and reliable information.

Tłı̨chǫ People

Based on the data gathered from interviews with Tłı̨chǫ language and culture experts, the decision was made to create characters that authentically represent Tłı̨chǫ people, avoiding stereotypical depictions. Research on Tłı̨chǫ clothing, style, and other aspects guided the development of the following characters.

Beadwork

Beadwork holds significant cultural importance in the Tłı̨chǫ community, often seen on traditional clothing made from caribou hides. Inspired by a century-old baby belt, I incorporated this beautiful aspect of Tłı̨chǫ culture into the website design.

Tłı̨chǫ Land

The Tłı̨chǫ have had an intimate relationship with the land since the beginning of time. Their pride in their cultural heritage and way of life is evident in the importance they place on symbols like the caribou and traditional dwellings such as canoes or TPs.
Through in-depth research into Tłı̨chǫ regions and lifestyles, I gained valuable insights that directly informed the design choices for the website's homepage. The incorporation of four stars in the sky pays homage to the vibrant and distinct communities of Gameti, Wekweeti, Whati, and Behchoko, each contributing uniquely to the rich tapestry of Tłı̨chǫ culture.

Competitors’ Analysis

Conducting an extensive search on existing online dictionaries for Indigenous groups within Canada, the US, and Australia provided me with valuable insights into what the website needed and how we could improve.

User Persona

To better understand users and their needs, personas were Prepared based on the collected data.

Co-design session with Experts

I held 5 co-design sessions with a specially assembled design committee for this project, which included directors from the Land, Language and Culture, Communications, and Client Services departments. These sessions were instrumental in tailoring decisions about the website. Additionally, I conducted 1 co-design session with 7 Tłı̨chǫ teachers to determine the content.

User testing on the current dictionary website

Given the existing Tłı̨chǫ dictionary online, I used it to conduct user testing sessions with Tłı̨chǫ speakers. Across 10 sessions that included users from different age groups and literacy levels in the Tłı̨chǫ language, I gained valuable insights. This experience deepened my understanding of user needs, identified features not meeting those needs, and pinpointed areas of the website requiring improvement.

Color

For the Tłı̨chǫ Dictionary project, purple and orange can have thoughtful cultural and functional significance:

Purple: This color can symbolize wisdom, knowledge, and respect for tradition. In the context of a dictionary, purple can represent the deep connection to the Tłı̨chǫ language and culture, honoring the heritage and wisdom passed down through generations. It’s a fitting choice for a resource that helps preserve and revitalize the Tłı̨chǫ language.

Orange: As a color of energy, creativity, and communication, orange conveys the idea of learning and engaging with the language in a lively and approachable way. Additionally, orange represents the fire used in the landing page illustration, symbolizing warmth, life, and the sharing of knowledge. Fire, in many Indigenous cultures, signifies light and transformation, linking the visual design to the dictionary’s role in preserving and promoting the language.

The combination of purple and orange visually balances tradition and modern engagement, making the dictionary feel both respectful of heritage and inviting for new learners.

Logo

The website's logo was inspired by Tłı̨chǫ culture. Visual elements, such as the teepee (representing the Department of Culture & Lands Protection) and fire, were used as symbols of unity and gathering in Tłı̨chǫ culture.

Character Design

Drawing from research findings, characters were created to accurately represent the Tłı̨chǫ people. The design process intentionally avoided any stereotypical representations, ensuring the characters genuinely reflected the culture and lifestyle of the Tłı̨chǫ community.

Users have the option to toggle between light mode and dark mode on the website. The main page showcases a representation of Tłı̨chǫ land and its people. Each time a user visits the website, a different set of characters is displayed. This effort aims to ensure that all Tłı̨chǫ people can recognize themselves within the characters, promoting inclusivity and avoiding exclusion of any group.

The Tłı̨chǫ dictionary website is designed as an intuitive platform for users to seamlessly translate between Tłı̨chǫ and English. Additionally, the website provides easy access to download the Tłı̨chǫ language app, aligning with the essence and purpose of the website.

The Tłı̨chǫ language is at risk of losing its words and accuracy, particularly because it was primarily an oral language in the past. The purpose of this section of the website is to invite people to contribute and help preserve the language. Since contributors can include elders, we've also included the option to upload images or send recordings through the website. This ensures that we are continually gathering and utilizing all available knowledge to preserve and promote the Tłı̨chǫ language effectively.

The project successfully developed a comprehensive platform for the preservation and learning of the Tłı̨chǫ language, offering access to over 13,000 words complete with definitions and pronunciations. It also included the creation of a culturally resonant website that authentically represents the Tłı̨chǫ people's lifestyle and traditions. Additionally, the platform empowers users to contribute by adding new words, playing a vital role in safeguarding the endangered Tłı̨chǫ language. By fostering greater community engagement, the project strengthens the Tłı̨chǫ people's involvement in preserving and enriching their language and cultural heritage.

Applications of the Project's Results

• Use in educational and cultural programs for the preservation and promotion of the Tłı̨chǫ language among future generations.
• Strengthening the cultural and linguistic identity of the Tłı̨chǫ people and increasing awareness and respect for this culture among others.
• Improving the language skills and knowledge of users and enthusiasts interested in learning Indigenous languages.