Abkhazia Advances Digitalisation of the Abkhaz Language and AI Education Initiatives
President Gunba Meets Shinkuba Foundation Leadership on Language and Technology.
SUKHUM / AQW'A — Badra Gunba has received the leadership and staff of the Bagrat Shinkuba Abkhaz Language Development Foundation for a meeting dedicated to the digitalisation of the Abkhaz language, early childhood language education, and future initiatives in artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
One of the key topics discussed was the digitalisation of the Abkhaz language. A large-scale project is currently under way to collect voice data for the development of speech recognition and speech synthesis technologies. To date, 171 hours of Abkhaz speech have been recorded on the Mozilla Common Voice platform, with 86 per cent of the recordings validated. The project has involved 807 participants. These results are considered sufficient both for integrating Abkhaz into global digital platforms and for training domestic language and voice models.
The meeting also reviewed the introduction of a new methodology for teaching Abkhaz to preschool children who do not speak the language at home. The programme is being piloted in five state-run kindergartens in Sukhum, Gagra, Gudauta and Gulripsh, involving 150 children. Foundation specialists have already carried out on-site work and training seminars for educators, while all printed and methodological materials have been produced and delivered to Abkhazia. By the end of the current week, participating kindergartens are expected to be fully equipped with the methodology and any remaining technical resources. It was also noted that educators involved in the pilot programme will receive additional payments from the republican budget.
In addition, participants discussed plans to establish a College of Innovative Technologies and Artificial Intelligence at Abkhaz State University. The proposed college would focus on training specialists in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and applied innovation.
The possibility of creating a Council on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation under the President of Abkhazia was also examined. Such a body could serve as an expert and coordinating platform for developing strategic approaches to digital development, attracting relevant experts to support digital initiatives, and coordinating projects across education, the economy, energy, and innovation. It was emphasised that a consultative council of this kind would enable a more systematic approach to adopting modern technological solutions and adapting international experience to Abkhazia’s development priorities.