Work

A review of recent efforts in digitalization and application of endangered scripts

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Endangered scripts carry local knowledge and culture, making digitalization vital for cultural continuity. This paper reviews 120 publications (2011-2025) through computing and design lenses and proposes a phased classification. Our analysis shows that the literature prioritizes technical aspects of digital preservation, while application-oriented studies remain limited. This paper argues for a paradigm shift from preservation to revitalization, calling for community partnership, cultural grounding, and collaboration with creative disciplines.

Source: npj Heritage Science

DOI: 10.1038/s40494-026-02522-7

Authors: Jia-Qi Shi, Fugee Tsung, Kang Zhang

Institutions: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Digital Humanities and Scholarship

Subfield: Literature and Literary Theory

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Social Science Fund of China

Award: G3102342040