OpenSpeaks Archives helps document Van GujjariCEFR A2
17 Apr 2026
Adapted from Subhashish Panigrahi, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Joshi Milestoner, Unsplash
OpenSpeaks Archives was launched in 2024 to help cite Indigenous oral knowledge. It now hosts nearly 20 languages from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Subhashish Panigrahi spoke by voice call with Taukeer Alam, a speaker of Van Gujjari. Taukeer said audio and video record voice, tone and body language better than books. He also said older people prefer recordings, while children can use written materials for education if the texts come from the community.
Taukeer asked for fast, community-centred work, clear consent and protection so communities control how recordings are used.
Difficult words
- archive — place where historical records are keptArchives
- indigenous — people native to a particular area
- oral — spoken words or knowledge, not written
- record — save sounds or images for later userecordings
- consent — permission given by someone before action
- control — have the power to decide or manage
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you prefer recordings or written texts for learning? Why?
- Why is clear consent important for communities who give recordings?
- How can communities control the way their recordings are used?
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