5– Language as an Infrastructure
a conversation with Babatunde (Baba) Oladimeji
In a recent gathering of the Africa Deep Tech Community, Baba Tunde, the founder of Amazéthu and a former AI product and infrastructure builder at Meta (Facebook), delivered an illuminating talk on the role of language as a crucial factor in healing, rebuilding, and strengthening communities.
A Reflection on Technology and African Communities
Baba kicked off his talk by reflecting on the impacts of technology on African communities. With an insightful observation of technological evolution over time, Baba highlighted how transformations in material resources, energy, and information have shaped societal progress and influenced the African community.
He noted that while African talent is abundant, it is often undervalued and underserved due to language barriers and the English-centric approach to global technology innovation. Through his journey, Baba realized the need to empower Africans and enable them to be technology producers and not just consumers.
Shifting Focus to Local Language
Baba recounts his enlightening experience of reconnecting with his native language, Yoruba, after moving away from the Western-centric tech world. Realizing an emotional and spiritual connection embedded in the Yoruba language, he observed how fluency in native languages can bridge the gap between individuals and their cultural roots. Baba expressed his determination to create a technology product experience that values local languages.
Baba shared his innovative work-in-progress – a language learning app similar to Duolingo. The application leverages artificial intelligence and user interaction, guiding users to learn various African languages. He emphasized the importance of preserving local languages as technology evolves and the need to ensure these languages can be utilized for scientific inquiry.
Building a Bridge for African Languages in the Tech Sphere
The crux of Baba’s talk rested upon the advocacy for African languages to have their own space in the realm of technology. He pointed out that the mainstream AI ecosystem was not inclusive of African experiences and needs. The underrepresentation often leaves African communities at a disadvantage, underservicing their technological needs.
This gap in the technology market inspired Baba to prioritize developing tech tools that can communicate in African languages. He understood that technology built around the culture and needs of a community would boost its acceptance and transformative impact.
In conclusion, Baba called for a collaborative effort to promote the use of African languages in science and humanities. By reinforcing the bond between language and technology, he believes an empowered African community could gradually become global technology producers.
This session served as a reminder that Africans have the potential to tailor technology to their needs. By harnessing local languages, they can unlock a deeper connection with their communities, fostering a pro-development agenda on their own terms.
Still, there’s much to uncover within this mostly unexplored realm. Nevertheless, speakers like Baba Tunde instigate crucial conversations, encouraging Africans to take the initiative in shaping their technological reality. With an optimism that embraces language as an infrastructure for development, the Africa Deep Tech Community promises exciting possibilities in the years to come.