Million Wiki Project 2025/Voices of MENA
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Voices of MENA
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| Project Name | Voices of MENA |
| Project Languages | Russian, Arabic and French. |
| Project(s) | Commons |
| Dates | 01.08.2025 - 01.10.2025 |
| General Planned Outcomes | |
| Commons | 6000 |
| Real Outcomes | |
| Contact | |
| Applicant(s) | Tatiana Kerbush (talk • message • contribs • page moves • deleted contribs • summary • count • logs • block log • block • email) |
| ID | VT30065 |
Description
[edit]Voices of MENA is a multilingual audio documentation initiative aiming to record and upload 6,000 high-quality audio files related to the geographical and cultural terminology of the MENA region, in French, Arabic, and Russian.
The project is designed to serve the needs of Wikipedia, Wiktionary, and Wikimedia Commons, enriching their content with authentic and reusable voice recordings.
The recordings will include:
- Geographic names and demonyms from the MENA region (e.g., cities, regions, countries, rivers, ethnic terms)
- Key cultural and historical terms relevant to MENA heritage
- Selected frequently used or underrepresented words in audio form across Wikimedia projects
Each word or phrase will be recorded in at least one of the three languages — Arabic, French, or Russian — and where applicable, in all three. Files will be uploaded to Commons with standardized metadata and licensing.
Objectives
[edit]- Provide reliable pronunciation resources for Wikimedia users and readers
- Strengthen multilingual accessibility for underrepresented languages and dialects of the MENA region
- Support Wiktionary and Wikipedia with reusable media that enhances oral language learning and pronunciation
Workflow
[edit]| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Word List Compilation |
Curate a list of 6,000 words and phrases based on geography, culture, and usage frequency |
| 2. Recording Sessions |
Record pronunciations with native or fluent speakers in a clear and standardized format |
| 3. Metadata Preparation |
Tag each recording with accurate language codes, transliterations, and clear descriptions |
| 4. Upload to Commons |
Use tools like Lingua Libre or upload manually with appropriate categorization and licensing |
Impact
[edit]This project will significantly enhance the audio presence of MENA-related content on Wikimedia platforms, promote linguistic diversity, and empower users worldwide to experience the region's richness through sound.
It aligns with Wikimedia’s mission to provide free knowledge for everyone, in every language — and every voice.
Budget
[edit]Detailed Outcommes
[edit]| Sr no | Project | outcomes | quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Commons | Files | 6000 |
| Total contributions | 6000 |
Final decision
[edit]After discussion, the committee is in favor of awarding the grant to the applicant.