Learn the Inuit language? There’s an app for that

An Iqaluit iPad user views the Tusaalanga app. (PHOTO BY JIM BELL)

A popular Inuktitut learning resource created by the Iqaluit-based Pirurvik Centre is now available as an “app” that works on the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

The application called “Tusaalanga for iOS,” is an adaptation of the tusaalanga.ca Inuktitut-language learning website.

The app fits best on iPhone or iPod touch screens, but can be expanded for viewing on the iPad.

“A year ago, we were asked by the youth delegates at the Inuit Language Symposium to create an iPod version of our popular Tusaalanga.ca website,” said Leena Evic, Piruvik’s executive director.

The app will contain many of the features available on the regular Tusaalanga website.

That already includes thousands of Inuktitut audio files, dialogues, organized lessons, grammar notes and support for multiple dialects.

The app also contains new features not available on the tusaalanga.ca website, such as a Romanized Inuktitut to syllabic text converter and a personal glossary feature.

“When we designed the app, we needed to ensure both Romanized and syllabic Inuktitut would be useable,” said Gavin Nesbitt, Pirurvik’s manager on the project.

“This is the first time an app is capable of not only viewing, but also inputting syllabics.”

The application can be downloaded free from the Apple iTunes store.

Pirurvik is a Nunavut-based company offering expertise to government, land claim and business organizations in language and cultural training, terminology development, and the use of Inuktitut in information technology and on the Internet.

The project was funded through the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth.