"Front Page social media platform enables users to share content and connect with others in their native language"
In a groundbreaking move, Indian American entrepreneur Chezhiyan "Chez" Siva has unveiled Front Page, a new web and mobile app designed to revolutionize digital communication. This innovative platform aims to provide a seamless digital experience in a variety of languages, including a dozen Indian languages, English, French, and Spanish [1].
Siva's venture into the digital realm was inspired by personal experiences with language barriers and a broader mission to bridge the gap in digital consumption for common people and communities [2]. The primary focus of Front Page is to cater to those often excluded from the digital world due to language barriers, offering them an opportunity to post, read, and interact in their native languages without the need for translation.
The app's design is thoughtfully crafted to provide a digital space for those who don't speak the dominant language, fostering connection and inclusion, particularly for rural communities and small businesses that struggle with English-dominant platforms [2]. Siva's parent company, Parla Dynamics, has self-funded Front Page, ensuring a focus on building a platform that prioritizes accessibility over just another social app.
Front Page is currently in the pilot stage, being tested for public release. Once launched, users can expect to enjoy a platform that supports multiple scripts and seamless translation, allowing them to communicate in their native language without any barriers [1]. The platform will adapt to its users, rather than requiring them to conform to a single linguistic standard.
An example given by Siva is the struggle of someone from Bengal visiting Kerala, who often finds it challenging to engage fully without a guide or translator. On Front Page, users could post travel tips, reviews, or cultural content in their own language, and others could consume it in theirs [1]. Similarly, Kerala tourism businesses could use Front Page to advertise their services to visitors from other regions.
Parla Dynamics also plans to bring in service providers as part of its revenue model. The primary audience for Front Page is rural people, and it also targets small businesses that want broader exposure, particularly those speaking different languages [1].
Siva's long-term vision for Front Page includes serving as a platform for sharing and expanding cultures. He sees the platform as a stepping stone towards building a digital world where users won't have to translate themselves to fit in [2]. With the launch of Front Page, Siva is taking a significant step towards making the digital world more inclusive and accessible for all.
[1] https://techcrunch.com/2022/04/28/chez-siva-launches-front-page-a-social-media-platform-for-indias-linguistic-diversity/ [2] https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/05/03/how-chez-siva-is-breaking-down-language-barriers-in-social-media/?sh=624c9a8f7e62
The new web and mobile app, Front Page, spearheaded by Chezhiyan "Chez" Siva, aims to redefine digital communication by addressing the needs of overlooked communities due to language barriers. Leveraging technology, Front Page aspires to foster social interaction, entertainment, and cultural exchange across various languages, including many Indian dialects, empowering users to communicate authentically in their native tongues.
