Tech Internship for Computer Science students

Internship Opportunity: Indigenous Language Development Intern

Join the IndicWiki Project at IIIT Hyderabad and help preserve Telangana’s linguistic heritage!

 

 

Are you passionate about indigenous languages and cultures? This is your chance to bridge the digital divide for marginalized and indigenous languages, ensuring their legacy thrives in the digital age.
The IndicWiki Project invites applications for our Indigenous Language Development Internship program.

About the IndicWiki Project:

The IndicWiki Project, based at the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Hyderabad, is dedicated to bridging the digital knowledge gap for indigenous communities in Telangana. We focus on enriching online content in languages such as Gondi, Koya, Kolami, Naikdi, Chenchu, Kaikadi (Yerukala), Lambadi, Nakkala, and Konda Kammara. By creating and improving open-source resources on Wikipedia and its sister projects (Wikimedia Commons,Wikidata, Wiktionary, Wikisource, Wikiquote, Wikibooks), we aim to preserve invaluable cultural heritage, promote linguistic diversity, and empower local language speakers with accessible digital knowledge.
 

Internship Details:

  • Position Title: Indigenous Language Development Intern
  • Organization: IndicWiki Project, IIIT Hyderabad
  • Location: Remote (Work from Home) / Hybrid (depending on specific project requirements)
  • Internship Duration: May 12th – June 30th, 2025
  • Time Commitment: 15-20 hours per week
  • Application Deadline: April 30, 2025
  • Start Date: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis starting April 2025; the internship program commences on May 12, 2025.
  • Stipend: This is an unpaid internship. However, it offers significant benefits (see ‘What We Offer’ below).

Internship Roles and Responsibilities:

As an Indigenous Language Development Intern, you will play a crucial role in preserving and promoting Telangana’s indigenous languages online. You will work closely with linguists, technologists, and community members. Key responsibilities include:
 

  • Researching, writing, and translating articles and content for Wikipedia and its sister projects in one or more target indigenous languages of Telangana.
  • Ensuring the accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and linguistic appropriateness of all developed content.
  • Collaborating respectfully with native speakers and tribal communities to gather traditional knowledge, oral histories, proverbs, and cultural insights for content creation.
  • Assisting in the organization of virtual or in-person workshops aimed at encouraging community participation in contributing to Wikimedia projects.
  • (Optional) Collaborating with tech interns to explore the use of AI, Machine Learning, or Natural Language Processing tools for indigenous language content generation or translation, based on your interest and skills.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

We are looking for dedicated and enthusiastic individuals who meet the following criteria:
 

  • Language Proficiency: Fluency (spoken and written) in at least one of the target indigenous languages: Gondi, Koya, Kolami, Naikdi, Chenchu, Kaikadi (Yerukala), Lambadi, Nakkala, or Konda Kammara.
  • Communication: Basic proficiency in English or Telugu for team coordination, training, and research purposes.
  • Motivation: A genuine interest in preserving indigenous languages and cultures through digital platforms.
  • Status: Current students (Undergraduate or Postgraduate) or recent fresh graduates.
  • Tech Familiarity: Basic familiarity with using the internet. Familiarity with Wikipedia and its sister projects is a plus, but training will be provided.

 

What We Offer (Benefits):

While this internship does not include a stipend, it provides a unique and enriching experience:
 

  • Invaluable Experience: Gain hands-on experience in digital content creation, linguistic documentation, and community engagement within a real-world project.
  • Mentorship: Receive guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals in linguistics, technology, and Wikimedia projects.
  • Collaboration: Work alongside a diverse team and connect with the vibrant global Wiki tech community.
  • Impact: Make a tangible contribution to preserving the cultural and linguistic heritage of Telangana’s indigenous communities.
  • Certification: Receive an official Certificate of Internship from the IndicWiki Project, IIIT Hyderabad upon successful completion.
  • Recognition: Top 30 performers will be awarded a merit-based cash prize of ₹3,000 each after the successful completion of the internship.

 

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you are passionate about indigenous languages and want to contribute to a meaningful project, we encourage you to apply!

Apply now

 

Application Deadline: April 30, 2025

 

We look forward to receiving your application!
For any queries, contact: pm.indicwiki@iiit.ac.in.
Take a step toward empowering indigenous languages and become a digital change-maker!