Digitizing the Cultural Capital: Harnessing Digital Humanities for Heritage Preservation in Bujumbura, Burundi

Abstract

In an era where the erosion of cultural heritage is increasingly prevalent, there exists a critical imperative to explore and implement innovative methods for the preservation and revitalization of cultural identities, as exemplified by the urgent situation in Bujumbura, Burundi. Central to this study is the exploration of innovative digital methodologies for archiving a wide spectrum of cultural artifacts, including both notable and everyday heritage elements, in Bujumbura. Traditional approaches to biographical and historical profiling have predominantly focused on official records and significant events, often neglecting the richness of personal experiences and everyday interactions that substantially shape cultural identities. To address this, the study introduces a multi-disciplinary approach that incorporates an array of archival materials, such as government records, personal correspondences, and family memorabilia. These diverse data forms are digitized and semantically classified using biotags, chronotags, and geotags, constructing a comprehensive "space-time continuum" for individuals and communities. The innovative Holistic Archival Personality Profiling Model (HAPPM) is utilized, leveraging large language models for a deeper understanding of personalities and cultural contexts. This methodology not only preserves but also revives cultural heritage, including recreating spoken languages and local dialects through historical linguistic principles. The study exemplifies how technology can bridge the gap between past and present cultural expressions, reinforcing native languages and enriching the appreciation of diverse human identities. This approach is pivotal in offering a more inclusive and holistic method for preserving the global tapestry of cultural heritage, as demonstrated in the Bujumbura case study.