About Konbit
Konbit: an open-source platform dedicated to the Haitian language
Konbit is a collaborative initiative to promote and preserve the Haitian language in the digital world. Our mission is to create an open-source linguistic database for the Haitian language, accessible to all and enriched by the contributions of linguists, teachers, writers, and volunteers.
The project seeks to solve several major challenges regarding access to the language's linguistic resources, which are often underrepresented in current technological tools. Through Konbit, we facilitate the integration of the Haitian language into mobile applications, search engines, word processing software, and even software development projects.
Konbit is based on the idea of community: each user can participate in the expansion and improvement of this database. Together, we create a digital space that values and strengthens the use of the Haitian language in a modern and accessible setting for all.
The Current Situation of the Haitian Language in the Digital Age
Despite its status as an official language in Haiti, the Haitian language is largely underrepresented in modern technology. Digital resources, such as keyboards, spell checkers, and search engines, rarely integrate the Haitian language, limiting the use of the language in common technology tools. Additionally, development platforms and software do not offer native support for this beautiful language, hindering its adoption in global digital environments.
Yon konbit pou pwomouvwa lang Kreyòl Ayisyen an.
Our Mission
Our mission is to create an open source Haitian Creole language database that will serve as the foundation for a series of technological tools. Using this foundation, we will develop applications such as digital dictionaries, mobile-friendly keyboards, and spell checkers. We aim to facilitate the integration of Creole into research systems and software development environments, while promoting the use of the language in education, work, and everyday life.
Our vision
Our vision is to make Haitian Creole a language that is fully integrated into the digital world. We envision a future where Creole speakers have equal access to modern technologies, where Creole is present in all digital tools, from mobile applications to online research platforms, to educational and professional software. We want the Creole language to be used and valued around the world, thus strengthening the cultural identity and intellectual development of the Haitian community.
Yon konbit pou pwomouvwa lang Kreyòl Ayisyen an.
Our philosophy
Konbit’s philosophy is based on three fundamental pillars: accessibility, innovation and cultural valorization.
- Accessibility: We believe that every Creole speaker should be able to use their mother tongue in the digital world without barriers. This means developing inclusive and open source technological tools that enable the integration of Creole in digital spaces.
- Innovation: We adopt a modern technological approach to create solutions adapted to the needs of users. Whether through interactive dictionaries, smart keyboards or spell checkers, we seek to push the boundaries of the use of Creole in technology.
- Cultural valorization: Cultural valorization: Haitian Creole is more than a language, it is a symbol of identity and resilience. Konbit is committed to promoting this linguistic richness through its projects, while encouraging education and research to ensure the sustainability and evolution of Creole.
Opportunities that will come from our Open Source Database
The creation of this open source platform (Konbit) will open the door to multiple digital projects that will be able to benefit directly from the data collected.
📘
Haitian Digital Dictionary
A Haitian Creole dictionary for Android and iOS with definitions, synonyms and linguistic nuances, right from your smartphone.
⌨️
Haitian Keyboard for Smartphones
A Haitian Creole-friendly numeric keyboard with autocorrect, accent management, and optimized layout for Android and iOS.
✍️
Grammar and Spell Checkers for Office Applications
Dictionaries for Word, Google Docs, LibreOffice... allowing spelling and grammar correction in Haitian Creole.
🔍
Dictionary for database management systems (DBMS)
Create dictionaries for search engines such as Elasticsearch for better handling of queries and searches in Creole.
💻
Extensions and libraries
Develop multilingual software with Creole extensions for the Locale() function in major programming languages.
How to Contribute to the Project
We are currently at a crucial stage of the project, and we are looking to build a community of committed contributors to begin populating the database. We are calling on specialists in the Haitian language or anyone who is passionate about its development and preservation. This includes linguists, teachers, poets, cultural journalists, students, and anyone with an interest in the Haitian language.
We need skilled and motivated volunteers to help us document and enrich the data on all aspects: grammar, phonetics, idiomatic expressions, and much more. There is no form of remuneration or financial compensation, as this project is entirely collaborative and relies on everyone's commitment and willingness to contribute to the digital future of our language.
By participating, you will play a key role in creating a lasting cultural heritage, accessible to all, while allowing the language to develop and adapt to modern technological challenges.
You can contribute by helping to add
- Words
- Definitions
- Regional Variations
- Cultural Elements
- Expressions
A concrete project for the future
Thanks to the collaboration between developers, trainers, engineers, and volunteers, Konbit aims to safeguard and promote the Haitian language in the digital age.
There is no better investment than in the community.
Konbit: Together to promote Haitian Creole in the digital world.