Bisaya 2.0: Revitalizing the Heart of a Language with AI and Cultural Innovation

The Bisaya language, a vital linguistic cornerstone of the Visayas and Mindanao, faces challenges in the digital age due to limited resources and technological infrastructure. This research article investigates how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can address these issues through Bisaya 2.0, a modernization initiative leveraging AI for language preservation, accessibility, and engagement. The study explores three key areas: AI-driven Bisaya learning tools, AI-supported documentation of oral traditions and cultural expressions, and AI-enhanced youth engagement through digital platforms. By applying advancements in natural language processing (NLP), machine learning, and computational linguistics, this research identifies pathways for technological empowerment. Using a phenomenological qualitative approach with 10 Bisaya participants, the study examines lived experiences and perspectives on AI’s impact on Bisaya language use and preservation. Theoretical frameworks—including Sociolinguistic Theory, Ethnolinguistic Vitality Theory, Constructivist Learning Theory, Participatory Design Theory, and Decolonization Theory—support the analysis. Findings indicate that AI fosters personalized learning, streamlines documentation, and integrates Bisaya into youth-oriented digital activities, strengthening cultural continuity. The study’s output, "Atoang Bisaya, Atoang Ugma: Revitalizing the Heart of a Language with AI and Cultural Innovation” program encapsulates Bisaya 2.0 as a strategic framework for sustainable linguistic innovation. This paper contributes to research on AI for low-resource languages and highlights the need for investment in AI-driven solutions to bridge digital divides, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance linguistic vitality.