Researchers in Africa are working to bridge the gap in artificial intelligence (AI) tools for African languages. In a study published in the journal “Patterns,” scientists outline a roadmap to develop improved AI-driven tools for African languages. The lack of available AI tools for African languages is seen as an issue of inclusion and representation in the advancement of language technology. These tools rely on natural language processing, which allows computers to understand human languages through training. However, African languages suffer from limited data, hindering the effectiveness of these tools.
The research team interviewed key players involved in the development of language tools for African languages to gain insights into their experiences, motivations, focuses, and challenges. Four central themes emerged from the interviews, emphasizing the importance of African languages in cultural identities and societal participation, the need for support in African content creation, collaboration between linguistics and computer science, and the ethical use of data.
The study aims to coordinate efforts in building impactful language tools and roadmap guide future investments. The team plans to expand the study by including more participants to better understand the communities impacted by AI language technologies and address barriers to access. Hopefully, the findings may contribute to the development of various language tools, promote language preservation, and improve access to information and opportunities for African communities.
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