Major technology companies are leading the way in advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for African languages that have been often overlooked. These tech giants are making significant progress by developing and implementing AI solutions that cater specifically to the linguistic needs of Africa.
The amazing opportunities brought by machine learning and AI primarily benefit those who speak dominant languages like English and French, as seen in products like ChatGPT. However, efforts are being made to ensure that speakers of African languages such as Shona, Hausa, Xhosa, and Kiswahili can also benefit from these technological advancements.
It’s puzzling that AI tools for African languages are so rare, which is why Kathleen Siminyu and her team at the Masakhane Research Foundation are dedicated to providing accessible AI tools for African language speakers. In their recent study published in Patterns, they propose a strategy to improve AI tools for African languages, with a focus on creating language datasets for training computers.
They emphasize the importance of creating essential resources like dictionaries, spell checkers, and keyboards for African languages, as well as removing financial and administrative barriers for translating government messages into these languages.
The team aims to expand their research and address any obstacles that could hinder access to this technology, which could also contribute to the preservation of African languages. They acknowledge the need for a diverse team, including researchers from different African language backgrounds, to ensure inclusive development and participation in this field.
