Langvinnar

Langvinnar is a fictional international award and platform focused on language preservation, documentation, technology, and education. The name combines elements meaning language and winner in several Nordic languages, symbolizing recognition of outstanding efforts to sustain linguistic diversity.

The program is described as biennial, with submissions from community groups, researchers, educators, and developers. It aims to highlight projects that document endangered languages, develop open-source linguistic tools, create accessible learning resources, and empower language communities.

Langvinnar was conceived by a coalition of linguists, community advocates and digital humanities researchers in the early 2010s. A rotating host city arrangement and a dedicated council oversee operations, including submission periods, judging, and award ceremonies.

Judges evaluate submissions on language vitality impact, community involvement, methodological rigor, sustainability, and potential for replication. Scoring emphasizes ethical engagement with language communities and long-term support beyond the award.

Entries are submitted online, reviewed by an international jury, with finalists presenting demonstrations. Winners receive recognition, seed funding, and opportunities for collaboration with language technology projects.

Proponents credit Langvinnar with raising awareness and channeling resources toward endangered languages. Critics caution about biases in selection, overemphasis on technocratic solutions, and the need for ongoing community control.

Categories include Language Documentation, Language Technology, and Community Empowerment; sample fictional winners include the Kalari Documentation Initiative and the Open Vernaculars Toolkit.