RavenSpace Publishing and UBC Press Partner on Audio Enhancement That Brings Indigenous Voices into EPUB
Teaching Each Other: Nehinuw Concepts and Indigenous Pedagogies by Linda M. Goulet and Keith N Goulet provides an alternative framework for teachers working with Indigenous students – one that moves beyond acknowledging Indigenous culture to one that truly strengthens Indigenous identity. Drawing on Nehinuw (Cree) concepts such as kiskinaumatowin, or “teaching each other,” Goulet and Goulet provide a new approach to teaching Indigenous students.
This peer-reviewed work published by UBC Press in partnership with RavenSpace Publishing is perhaps the first to use Indigenous language audio recordings in an audio-enhanced EPUB (ebook). Readers of Teaching Each Other can go beyond seeing the Cree words on the page to hearing them being spoken by Keith Goulet, a fluent Cree speaker, in the “N” dialect.
As the authors wrote upon the EPUB launch, the book a represents a major advance for Indigenous language inclusion: “we are thankful to UBC Press for undertaking this ground breaking work and creation of the technical ability to make this audio-enhanced book a reality. This is history in the making and a major contribution to the retention of the Cree language. Kinunaskomitinan”.
UBC Press and RavenSpace collaborated on developing the innovative format and production process piloted with Teaching Each Other.
The book is a community-centered, culturally respectful multimedia publication. It offers a case study in the sensitive choice of technology to enhance learning and the focus on education desired by the authors. Further, as generative AI becomes a threat to quality representation and authenticity of Indigenous voices, a reputable EPUB with audio-enhancement by authentic speakers reassures readers that they are hearing real voices.
“This project was collaborative from the beginning. The authors envisioned audio features that would allow readers to hear the pronunciations, develop an appreciation of the Cree language, and understand the thinking of the Cree people that is reflected in their language. Keith and Linda then recorded the audio in a professional studio. From there, we determined how best to innovate the ebook with the audio enhancements and keep it accessible for all readers.” -Meagan Dyer, Production Editor for UBC Press
As readers move through the book, on the first instance of a Cree word, they can tap on the word to hear the word, first at normal speed, and then more slowly, with full and clear enunciation. A new glossary containing 185 Cree words and their meanings is also included in this enhanced edition, in both text and audio formats. The audio-enhanced ebook is also fully accessible and Benetech certified.
Watch a demo of the book features, with Keith Goulet speaking the Cree language.
Published by UBC Press in partnership with RavenSpace.