Iqaluit, Nunavut (December 6, 2024) – The Government of Nunavut, in collaboration with Microsoft, proudly announces the launch of Inuktitut text-to-speech functionality in Azure AI Speech services. Text-to-speech is now available in the Edge browser, using Read Aloud, and Microsoft Translator in Bing, and with more Microsoft applications to be added in 2025. This achievement, part of the Preservation and Promotion of Inuktut Through Technology Project, led by the Department of Culture and Heritage, reflects years of dedicated, community-driven efforts to make language more accessible and integrated into daily life across Nunavut.
“This collaboration speaks to the power of partnership and the importance of bridging tradition and technology. Language matters and keeping Inuktut alive is an important step in protecting and preserving our culture, heritage and values,” said Premier P.J. Akeeagok, Minister of Culture and Heritage. “This project is possible because of the hard work and dedication of Nunavummiut from across the territory, many of whom donated their knowledge and expertise to make this application a reality. Your efforts will mean continued access to Inuktut for our tech-savvy generation of children and youth.”
Building on the success of earlier milestones—including the introduction of text-to-text for Inuktitut syllabics in 2021 and Roman orthography and Inuinnaqtun in 2022—text-to-speech functionality increases accessibility to the language. Using recorded audio from proficient speakers in the community, Microsoft’s language model was trained to speak Inuktitut. Using advanced AI technology, two neural voices were created in the Azure Speech AI family, Siqiniq (female) and Taqqiq (male). The launch of text-to-speech functionality for Inuinnaqtun is anticipated in 2025.
“With this collaboration, we are combining innovative AI technology with the rich cultural heritage of the Inuit languages,” said Chris Barry, President of Microsoft Canada. “This project highlights the incredible power of partnerships to create meaningful, transformative solutions. We are honoured to work alongside the Government of Nunavut and communities across Nunavut to ensure Inuktut is accessible in a digital era.”
While this new functionality aims to enhance daily interactions and provide unprecedented access, it does not replace professional interpreters or translators. Instead, it serves as a complement to formal communication, broadening the use of Inuktitut across diverse settings and making it easier to integrate into everyday life.
Users can now experience Inuktitut in a way that supports storytelling, cultural sharing, and professional communication. From children hearing traditional stories in their language, to elders sharing knowledge with younger generations, to healthcare workers using Inuktitut for vital communication, this technology helps bridge generations and sectors.
For more information about the project or to watch the video, visit: Language Preservation and Promotion Through Technology: MS Translator Project | Government of Nunavut.