Tłı̨chǫ Online Dictionary

An online dictionary to preserve the language for future generations.

Introduction

Introduction

The Tłı̨chǫ language, also known as Tłı̨chǫ Yatıì or the Dogrib language, is a rich Northern Athabaskan language spoken by Tłı̨chǫ (Dogrib people) First Nations of the stunning Canadian Northwest Territories. This project is dedicated to creating a platform where users can dive into the captivating Tłı̨chǫ dictionary, offering access to over 13,000 words, their definitions, pronunciations, and more. Our goal is to ensure this language thrives for future generations to cherish.

Product

Website

What I did

Interactive prototyping
User research & testing
UI Design
UX Design

My Role

UX Research, UI/UX Designer

Tools

Figma, Adobe Photoshop

Timeline

2023 - 2024

Research and Data Collection

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.

Tłı̨chǫ Dictionary Research

Research and Tests

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.

Tłı̨chǫ Dictionary Research 2

User Persona

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

User Persona
Merry

Merry

  • Age: 9 years old
  • Occupation: Student
  • Location: Northwest Territories, Canada
  • Ethnicity: Tłı̨chǫ First Nations
Bio

Merry is a bright and curious 9-year-old girl from the Tłı̨chǫ First Nations in Canada. She has a strong desire to learn the Tłı̨chǫ language to connect more deeply with her cultural heritage and to help her younger brother do the same. Merry is motivated by her pride in her culture and her family's encouragement. She enjoys painting and storytelling, and would benefit from interactive, visually engaging tools that make language learning fun and accessible.

Preferred Learning Style
Visual LearningInteractive ActivitiesStory-Based Learning
IntrovertExtrovert
AnalyticalCreative
BusyThinker
MessyOrganized
IndependentTeam player
PassiveActive
SafeRisky

Merry's Journey with the Tłı̨chǫ Language

Background
Attends school in a Tłı̨chǫ community in the Northwest Territories
Lives with parents, grandparents, and a younger brother
Enjoys painting, storytelling, and hands-on classroom activities
Family encourages her to learn and use Tłı̨chǫ at home
Wants learning tools that feel playful and visually engaging
Challenges and Aspirations
Limited age-appropriate resources for learning Tłı̨chǫ
Hard to stay motivated without interactive practice
English dominates school and social spaces
Help her younger brother learn the language too
Feel proud speaking Tłı̨chǫ in daily life
Home Environment
Merry hears the Tłı̨chǫ language spoken at home by her parents and grandparents.
Outside Environment
Outside her home, Merry encounters a different linguistic environment dominated by English.
User Persona
Charlot

Charlot

  • Age: 28 years old
  • Occupation: Office worker (2 years)
  • Location: Northwest Territories, Canada
  • Ethnicity: Tłı̨chǫ First Nations
Bio

Charlot is a 28-year-old Tłı̨chǫ woman who deeply values her cultural heritage. Married for a year and currently expecting her first child, she works in an office and is fluent in the Tłı̨chǫ language. Despite her fluency, Charlot occasionally turns to a dictionary to recall specific words, as she is committed to maintaining a strong connection to her roots. With a passion for preserving her culture, Charlot is determined to pass down the Tłı̨chǫ language and traditions to her future child. She actively seeks resources and community support to ensure her child grows up with a deep understanding and appreciation of their ancestral heritage.

Preferred Learning Style
Visual learningInteractive activitiesPractical learning methods
IntrovertExtrovert
AnalyticalCreative
BusyThinker
MessyOrganized
IndependentTeam player
PassiveActive
SafeRisky

Charlot's Journey with the Tłı̨chǫ Language

Background
Fluent Tłı̨chǫ speaker living in the Northwest Territories
Works in an English-speaking office environment
Married and expecting her first child
Uses dictionaries and apps to recall specific words
Focused on building a cultural foundation for the next generation
Challenges and Aspirations
Lack of immersive everyday language environments
Limited practical tools for teaching a young child
Balancing professional life with cultural responsibilities
Raise a bilingual child grounded in Tłı̨chǫ heritage
Contribute to preserving the language for future generations
Home Environment
She creates a supportive home environment, speaks Tłı̨chǫ with her husband and unborn child, and uses online resources and apps to stay sharp.
Outside Environment
At work and in many public spaces she navigates an English-dominated environment, while staying connected through cultural celebrations and community channels.

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.

Branding

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.

Primary Colors

#5B40FF
#97A1FF
#FDA201

Secondary Colors

#FDC64B
#FDAE01
#0B2047
#E7EDFF

Pattern

Pattern

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.

Tłı̨chǫ Dictionary Branding

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.

Tłı̨chǫ Dictionary Character
Tłı̨chǫ Dictionary Character

Pages

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.

Tłı̨chǫ Dictionary Page
Tłı̨chǫ Dictionary Page

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.

Tłı̨chǫ Dictionary Slide

Achievements

Achievements

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.