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Four questions on UNESCO’s English-Kiswahili AI dictionary initiative
In the framework of UNESCO’s work to harness emerging technology for sustainable development, the English-Kiswahili dictionary helps closing the digital divide experienced by low-resource language speakers. This project contributes to support Member States in the implementation of the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, enhance multilingualism in cyberspace, and empower African voices to generate and engage meaningfully in digital and AI discourses locally, regionally and globally.
Jay Ralitera (Media and Information Literacy Officer at UNESCO) interviewed John Wafula, Head of AI at , and member of the experts panel working on the initiative, to discuss the purpose of the AI dictionary and its impact to close the digital divide.
How does the English-Kiswahili AI dictionary contribute to the preservation and promotion of Kiswahili?
The AI-powered English-Kiswahili dictionary is a vital tool in preserving and promoting Kiswahili by making the language more accessible in the digital age. By providing accurate translations and contextual understanding, it ensures that Kiswahili can be used effectively across various digital platforms, from social media to academic research. This accessibility encourages the use of Kiswahili in new domains, fostering its growth and relevance. Moreover, the dictionary helps in documenting and preserving the nuances of Kiswahili, which is crucial as languages evolve. By integrating AI, we're able to keep the language vibrant and adaptable to modern needs.
What were the key challenges you and the group of experts faced while developing the dictionary?
One of the major challenges was capturing the contextual meanings of words, especially in a language as rich and diverse as Kiswahili. Unlike English, Kiswahili has many regional dialects and variations, which made it difficult to create a one-size-fits-all solution. We addressed this by leveraging AI models that learn from vast amounts of data, including regional texts, to understand these nuances. Another challenge was ensuring the accuracy of translations in specialized fields like technology or medicine, where Kiswahili terms might not exist. We worked closely with linguists and experts to create and standardize new terms, ensuring the dictionary remains relevant and comprehensive.
How can policy makers ensure that the development of multilingual content is prioritized in the tech industry?
Policymakers play a crucial role by creating frameworks that incentivize the development of multilingual content. This could include funding for research and development, tax incentives for tech companies that prioritize language diversity, and the inclusion of language requirements in public procurement processes. Furthermore, policies should encourage collaboration between tech companies, educational institutions, and language communities to ensure that the content developed is accurate, culturally relevant, and widely accessible. By making multilingualism a priority, policymakers can help bridge the digital divide and promote inclusivity in the tech industry.
How do you envison the future of digital multilingualism in Africa?
The future of digital multilingualism in Africa is promising, with AI playing a pivotal role in making diverse languages accessible online. Over the next decade, we should aim for milestones such as the development of AI-powered tools for more African languages, the integration of these tools into educational and government systems, and the creation of platforms that support content creation in multiple languages. Another key milestone is ensuring that African languages are not just preserved but also evolve in the digital space, adapting to new technologies and ways of communication. By doing so, we can ensure that our linguistic heritage is not lost but instead thrives in the digital age.
