Community & Contributors
Mara Language Preservation (MLP) is built by people, not institutions. The project exists because Mara speakers, learners, volunteers, and supporters choose to share their time, knowledge, and care for the language. Every contribution—large or small—helps strengthen the Mara language and ensures it remains usable, visible, and respected in the modern world.
MLP is fundamentally community-driven. The Mara language belongs to its speakers, and the project’s direction, priorities, and values are shaped by community participation rather than top-down authority.
Who Contributes to MLP
MLP brings together people from many backgrounds, including:
- Native Mara speakers, elders, and community members
- Learners and younger speakers interested in strengthening their language skills
- Educators and writers working with Mara language materials
- Linguists and researchers supporting accurate documentation
- Technologists and developers building digital tools and platforms
- Volunteers and advocates helping with outreach and coordination
You do not need to be an expert to contribute. Lived experience, local knowledge, and willingness to help are equally valuable.
Types of Contributions
MLP welcomes many forms of contribution, including but not limited to:
Language Documentation
- Word lists and vocabulary
- Grammar notes and usage examples
- Idioms, expressions, and variations
- Orthography guidance and spelling conventions
Audio and Oral Knowledge
- Recorded speech (with consent)
- Pronunciation examples
- Oral histories and narratives
- Teaching or learning recordings
Digital and Technical Work
- Website development and maintenance
- Keyboard layouts, fonts, and input tools
- Data organization and formatting
- Localization and digital standards support
Education and Outreach
- Learning materials and explanations
- Community awareness and engagement
- Translation and proofreading
- Feedback on usability and clarity
All contributions are reviewed carefully and handled with respect for speakers and cultural context.
How to Get Involved
If you are interested in contributing to MLP, we encourage you to start by:
- Visiting the Contact or Feedback page
- Introducing yourself briefly
- Sharing how you would like to help or what you are interested in contributing
There is no fixed entry requirement. Participation can be occasional or ongoing, depending on your availability.
Community Values
MLP operates according to shared community values:
- Respect – for speakers, culture, and differing perspectives
- Collaboration – working together rather than competing
- Transparency – openness about goals, methods, and limitations
- Ethical care – especially when handling sensitive or cultural content
- Accessibility – making participation possible for people with different skills and resources
Discrimination, misuse, or exploitation of community knowledge is not acceptable.
Recognition and Attribution
Where appropriate, contributors are acknowledged for their work. Attribution practices respect individual preferences and community norms. Contributors may choose to remain anonymous or be publicly credited.
MLP does not claim ownership over community knowledge. Contributions are shared according to clear terms and licenses, with an emphasis on openness and respect.
Looking Ahead
As MLP grows, this page will expand to include:
- Contributor guidelines
- Documentation standards
- Review and publication processes
- Collaboration principles
- Long-term stewardship plans
Our goal is to build a sustainable, inclusive, and welcoming community around the Mara language—one that supports learning, creativity, and continuity across generations.