PROJECT BRIEF

BACKGROUND

The City of Los Angeles, California is one of the most linguistically diverse cities in the United States and faces significant challenges in providing equitable language access, especially for Indigenous language speakers. Due to the complexity of managing diverse linguistic needs, Los Angeles City Council District 3 (LA CD3) struggles to deliver public service announcements, and emergency information in all emergency response languages. This limitation disproportionately affects communities with limited English proficiency, hindering their access to vital services and resources.

AIMS

This project aimed to support LA CD3’s linguistic and cultural preservation by promoting equitable access to translation services across various fields and disciplines. This project built on the Citywide Language Access Plan (LAP) to evaluate community-based methods and approaches for more accurate and culturally sensitive translations. Furthermore, the project investigates the role of AI-driven tools for meaningful language access improvements.

METHODOLOGY

The team examined current language access policies, practices, and technologies. The, the team also assessed AI-driven natural language processing (NLP) tools, community-based translation models, and translation tools. Finally, the team conducted interviews with staff from LA CD3, representatives from community organizations, language experts, researchers from academia, and technology professionals from the private sector to gain insights and perspectives into the significance of community collaboration and the application of AI language tools.

DELIVERABLES

Project deliverables include (1) a roadmap for addressing language equity gaps and ensuring access to essential services in linguistically diverse communities and (2) an AI language access implementation toolkit that includes frameworks for assessing AI translation tools, criteria for vendor evaluation, and strategies for fostering community engagement.

IMPACT AND FUTURE WORK

By strategically addressing language equity gaps, the city can increase its capacity to protect and promote linguistic diversity, particularly as Los Angeles grapples with resource limitations while striving to serve its increasingly diverse and multicultural population. Providing language access helps foster social inclusion, ensuring that Indigenous groups and non-English speakers can advocate for their needs and fully participate in civic, social, and economic life. By adopting these recommendations, CD3 can improve linguistic inclusivity, enhance access to critical services, and preserve the cultural heritage of Indigenous communities.