Launch of the INGURA: the Basque Language Digital Learning Platform
With INGURA, the Basque Government foster the digital learning of Basque, offering an online platform accessible anytime, anywhere, and on any device
The tool, presented on October 3rd at Bilbao's Euskalduna Palace, seeks to attract new speakers and facilitate access to Basque languafe also in the digital environment. More than a hundred representatives from Euskaltegis (Basque learning centers)) centres and the educational, cultural and social spheres attended the presentation.
"We want to make learning Basque easier, more attractive and more accessible for everyone" said Ibone Bengoetxea, Deputy President and Minister of Culture and Language Policy at the Basque Governement.
Currently, more than 14,000 people use INGURA, a figure that the Basque Government hopes to increase in order to strengthen the network of "euskaltegi centers". The platform, available in four languages (Basque, Spanish, English and French), offers free materials for levels A1 and A2, as well as advanced courses integrated into the official education network. The portal includes 140 videos of real-life situations, as many explanatory videos, and more than 5,000 activities to practise speaking, writing, grammar, vocabulary and culture.
In the coming years, INGURA will incorporate new levels and innovative technologies, such as the integration of the Itzuli automatic translator, activities with voice recognition, virtual tutors and adaptations for people with intellectual disabilities. With these improvements, INGURA is consolidating its position as a gateway to Basque in the digital world and a qualitative leap forward in promoting the social use of the language.
Led by HABE, INGURA is part of the EUSGUNEAK project, developed in collaboration with the Basque Government's Language Policy Department, Euskarabidea of the Government of Navarre, Euskararen Erakunde Publikoa of Iparralde, and with the support of the European Union through the ERDF funds of the INTERREG POCTEFA programme.
"We are building this project between institutions with a shared goal: that more and more people learn Basque and use it in their daily lives" Bengoetxea emphasised.
The development of INGURA will continue in the coming years, incorporating new levels and integrating improvements: integration of ITZULI automated translation technology, activities solved through voices, virtual tutors and interlocutors, and adaptation of the platform for people with intellectual disabilities, with specific technological and educational developments.
