Occitan Wikipedia facts for kids
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Type of site
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Internet encyclopedia |
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| Available in | Occitan |
| Owner | Wikimedia Foundation |
| Website | oc.wikipedia.org |
| Commercial | No |
| Registration | Optional |
The Occitan Wikipedia (Occitan: Occitan Wikipèdia) is the version of Wikipedia written in the Occitan language. This special edition of the world's biggest online encyclopedia started in December 2003. As of July 2013, it had more than 84,000 articles, which is a huge collection of information!
Contents
Discovering the Occitan Wikipedia
The Occitan Wikipedia is a fantastic place to learn about many topics, all written in Occitan. It's like a giant digital library where you can find facts, stories, and details about almost anything. This version helps keep the Occitan language alive and well in the digital world.
What is Wikipedia?
Wikipedia is a free online encyclopedia that anyone can edit. It's built by millions of volunteers from all over the world. These volunteers write and update articles on countless subjects. Think of it as a massive, ever-growing book of knowledge that is always available online. It's a great tool for school projects or just learning new things.
What is the Occitan Language?
Occitan is a Romance language, which means it comes from Latin, just like French, Spanish, and Italian. It's spoken mainly in Southern France, parts of Italy, and a small area in Spain. For many years, Occitan was the main language in these regions. Today, fewer people speak it every day, but there are strong efforts to keep it alive. Learning about Occitan is like discovering a piece of European history and culture.
Where is Occitan Spoken?
Occitan is spoken in a region called Occitania. This area covers a large part of southern France, including cities like Toulouse and Nice. It also includes the Valleys of Occitan in Italy and the Aran Valley in Spain. Even though it's not as widely spoken as it once was, it's still an important part of the heritage for many people.
Why an Occitan Wikipedia?
Having a Wikipedia in Occitan is super important for several reasons. It helps to preserve the language by creating a modern space for it. It also makes sure that knowledge is available to people who prefer to read in Occitan.
Preserving Language and Culture
Languages are like living treasures. When a language has an online encyclopedia, it shows that it's still active and useful in today's digital world. The Occitan Wikipedia helps new generations connect with their language and culture. It also provides a place for writers and speakers to contribute and share their knowledge.
Sharing Knowledge in Occitan
Imagine wanting to learn about a famous scientist or a historical event, but you only want to read about it in Occitan. The Occitan Wikipedia makes this possible! It allows people to access information in their native or preferred language. This helps spread knowledge and makes learning more accessible for everyone in the Occitan-speaking community.
How Does Wikipedia Work?
Wikipedia is built on the idea of collaboration. People from all walks of life contribute to it. They write new articles, correct mistakes, and add more details to existing pages. This teamwork is what makes Wikipedia so powerful and full of information.
The Role of Volunteers
Every article on Wikipedia, including the Occitan one, is written by volunteers. These are people who are passionate about sharing knowledge. They don't get paid; they simply want to help others learn. This community spirit is at the heart of Wikipedia's success.
Editing and Community
If you find a mistake or want to add something to an article, you can often do it yourself! Of course, there are rules to follow to make sure the information is correct and neutral. The community of editors works together to maintain the quality of the encyclopedia. It's a great example of how people can work together online for a common good.
How Kids Can Use the Occitan Wikipedia
Even if you don't speak Occitan fluently, you can still explore the Occitan Wikipedia. It's a great way to practice the language if you're learning it. You can also use it to discover unique information that might not be as detailed on other Wikipedias.
Learning and Exploring
You can use the Occitan Wikipedia for school projects, to learn about history, science, or anything else that interests you. It's a fun way to explore new topics and expand your knowledge. Just like the main Wikipedia, it's a fantastic resource for curious minds.
Contributing to Knowledge
If you know some Occitan, you could even try making small edits or adding information to articles. This is a great way to contribute to a global project and help preserve a language. Every small contribution helps make the Occitan Wikipedia even better for everyone.
