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take into account the African linguistic mosaic and they are mostly concerned
with theoretical issues with little impact on the development of African languages.
Furthermore, work directly linked to African languages in cyberspace is generally
informed by business imperatives and, as such, is broadly limited to developing
spell checkers and online dictionaries while taking into account the number of
speakers of the targeted language. Last but not least, is the lack of resources. The
lack of funds to support research and training is another challenge facing the
presence of African languages in cyberspace. This is exacerbated by the absence
of clear language policies and regulations, as described above.
Language is a cross-cutting issue and, as such, there is no single solution to the
problems facing the presence of African languages in cyberspace. We therefore
require a paradigm shift that will not only take into account the African
linguistic mosaic, but will also allow a holistic approach, which takes into
account various initiatives and resolutions taken at various forums.
Paradigm Shift
As the African proverb cited above reminds us “one thumb alone cannot
crush a louse”. Researchers on matters related to African languages and
cyberspace tend to work on silos. It is therefore necessary to broaden the
research agenda on Human Language Technology, while strengthening macro
and micro cooperation across various disciplines and stakeholders as well
as creating synergies. The African Academy of Languages (ACALAN) can
play a vital role, particularly in lobbying for the support of African decision
makers, urging them to put in place effective language policies that favour the
development of African languages. It can also facilitate the mobilization of
resources at national and international levels. As we all know ACALAN is the
official language agency of the African Union whose statutes were approved
during the Summit of the Heads of State and Governments that took place in
Khartoum in 2006. Its mandate is to work in collaboration with the member
states of the African Union towards the development, promotion of African
languages so that they are used in all domains of the society in partnership
with the languages inherited from Africa’s colonial past; i.e. English, French,
Portuguese and Spanish. The partnership component is vital as the minority
elite referred to earlier always see the efforts to develop African languages
as an attempt to replace former colonial languages with African languages.
Far from it, all that is required is a linguistic equity in the same way Africa
has been calling for gender equity. However, for all that to materialize, the
quest for creating space for African languages in cyberspace should be part
and parcel of the quest for developing African languages in particular and for
poverty eradication in Africa in general.
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