The Saraiki Speech Dataset is a comprehensive collection of high-quality audio recordings featuring native Saraiki speakers from southern Punjab and northern Sindh, Pakistan.
This professionally curated dataset contains 134 hours of authentic Saraiki speech data, meticulously annotated and structured for machine learning applications. Saraiki, an Indo-Aryan language spoken by over 20 million people with distinct cultural identity, is captured with its distinctive phonological features essential for developing accurate speech recognition systems. With balanced representation across gender and age groups, the dataset provides researchers and developers with essential resources for building Saraiki language models, voice assistants, and conversational AI systems serving one of Pakistan’s major regional linguistic communities.
Dataset General Info
| Parameter | Details |
| Size | 134 hours |
| Format | MP3/WAV |
| Tasks | Speech recognition, AI training, voice assistant development, natural language processing, acoustic modeling, speaker identification |
| File size | 438 MB |
| Number of files | 849 files |
| Gender of speakers | Female: 45%, Male: 55% |
| Age of speakers | 18-30 years: 34%, 31-40 years: 21%, 40-50 years: 17%, 50+ years: 28% |
| Countries | Pakistan (southern Punjab, northern Sindh) |
Use Cases
Regional Identity and Services: Organizations in southern Punjab and northern Sindh can utilize the Saraiki Speech Dataset to develop voice-enabled regional services and cultural preservation platforms. Voice technology supports Saraiki linguistic identity, implements regional language rights, and makes services accessible to Saraiki-speaking populations.
Cultural Heritage Preservation: Cultural organizations can leverage this dataset to create digital archives of Saraiki literature, folk traditions, and oral heritage. Voice technology preserves Saraiki cultural traditions and maintains linguistic heritage for communities across Pakistani regions.
Agricultural Extension Services: Agricultural organizations can employ this dataset to build voice-based farming advisory systems and rural development platforms. Voice technology delivers agricultural guidance to Saraiki-speaking farmers, supporting rural livelihoods through native language interfaces.
FAQ
Q: What is included in the Saraiki Speech Dataset?
A: The dataset includes 134 hours of audio recordings from native Saraiki speakers. Contains 849 files in MP3/WAV format, totaling approximately 438 MB, with transcriptions, speaker demographics, and linguistic annotations.
Q: Why is Saraiki speech technology important?
A: Saraiki represents a significant linguistic community. Speech technology enables voice interfaces serving this population, supports linguistic rights and cultural preservation, and makes technology accessible in native language.
Q: How diverse is the speaker demographic?
A: Dataset features 45% female and 55% male speakers with age distribution: 34% (18-30), 21% (31-40), 17% (40-50), 28% (50+).
How to Use the Speech Dataset
Step 1: Dataset Acquisition – Download the dataset package from the provided link.
Step 2: Extract and Organize – Extract to your storage and review the structured folder organization.
Step 3: Environment Setup – Install required ML framework dependencies and audio processing libraries.
Step 4: Data Preprocessing – Load audio files and apply preprocessing steps like resampling and feature extraction.
Step 5: Model Training – Split into training/validation/test sets and train your model.
Step 6: Evaluation and Fine-tuning – Evaluate performance and iterate on architecture.
Step 7: Deployment – Export and integrate your trained model into production.
For detailed documentation, refer to the included guides.
