Mai Vi Hao and Pinang Bao record the language used by the ethnic minority group Raglai for use in their mobile app for smartphones.

The software developed by 12th graders Mai Vi Hao and Pinang Bao won third prize in the province’s 2019 Youth and Children Innovation Contest.

“My school is for ethnic minority students, and most of them are Raglai. However, when I communicate with my friends who are not Raglai, they don't understand what I say,” Pinang Bao told the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

The two students recorded words from the language to set up a database and used the popular programming language Java to encode the Raglai language into many groups divided by topics.

The mobile app runs on the Android operating system and can be downloaded on CH Play.

Because many old Raglai words have multiple meanings, the students had to study documents and consult with experts to learn the exact meanings.

Three months after study and implementation, they completed the software which contains 15 text boxes with a user-friendly interface.

Bui Huu Pha, the school rector, said that students have used the software and further studied on the internet.

Since very few Raglai know how to write or read their native language, the smartphone app has been useful for them.

The Raglai tradition contains many epics, mythologies and tales with historical, artistic and educational values. However, most of these have been preserved by word of mouth.

The app has also helped officials at State offices improve communication with members of the Raglai ethnic group and better understand their culture and customs.

Hao and Bao are collecting more Raglai words to upgrade the software and improve its interface./.VNA