Abstract

This paper reports on the pilot implementation of ChakapBot, a generative AI-supported chatbot developed to support both the revitalisation and documentation of Baba Malay, an endangered heritage language in Singapore. A six-week pilot was conducted with 26 participants, the majority of whom were adult learners with limited prior exposure to the language and disrupted intergenerational transmission. Drawing on surveys, the study examines participant engagement, perceived usefulness, and the role of the chatbot within a blended learning model combining in-person instruction and digital practice. ChakapBot was trained on a community-curated corpus comprising a dictionary, a textbook, and a grammatical description of Baba Malay, positioning it as both a learning support tool and a means of operationalising existing documentation resources for community use. Findings indicate that participants valued the chatbot for its flexibility, accessibility, and low-pressure environment for independent practice, and perceived it as a complement to human-led instruction rather than a replacement. Participants also reported using Baba Malay beyond classroom settings, including in the home, workplace, and community events. The study highlights how ethically designed, community-curated AI tools can bridge language documentation and revitalisation by transforming documented linguistic knowledge into accessible, everyday practice for learners.

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