NGO seeks revitalisation, increased propagation of local languages through technology

The Center for the Digitisation of Indigenous African Languages (CDIAL), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has reiterated the need to deploy technology in propagating indigenous languages to save it from extinction.

The founder of CDIAL, Mr Yinka Iyinolakan, made this known during a panel discussion at AfricaNXT Week 2022 on Friday in Lagos.

The panel discussion had the topic: “The Changing Faces of Content Creation in Africa: How will our stories be told in the next 10 years”.

Newsmen reports that AfricaNXT, formally known as the Social Media Week, is an annual event.

The theme for 2022 is:” Reimagine Now, Co-create Next”.

Iyinolakan noted that there was a need for indigenous language revitalisation and accessibility through the help of technology.

“Government can encourage recording and archiving audio files of elders and fluent indigenous speakers to teach the upcoming generations.

“Local software developers can also come up with apps that can teach the younger generations with indigenous language.”

Iyinolakan added that government should also encourage local software developers with grants to develop apps that would make access to indigenous language learning possible on mobile devices.

Also speaking, Mr Oyelakin Omolewu, Manager, Brand Events and Sponsorships, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, stressed the need for provisions of internet access for youths in rural areas to effectively learn and interact with indigenous language.

Omolewu urged service providers like banks, hotels, supermarkets and other related outfits to create customer service desks, which use indigenous languages to attend to customers that prefer to use their local language as means of communication.