| Abstract:
This proposal addresses the preservation of African Indigenous languages through a comprehensive approach of knowledge sharing and collaborative efforts. With the linguistic diversity and endangered status of many African Indigenous languages, it is imperative to leverage the power of collective expertise, cultural exchange, and collaborative initiatives to ensure their survival. This research project seeks to facilitate knowledge sharing among linguists, researchers, Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders, fostering collaboration to develop effective strategies, resources, and technologies for preserving and revitalizing African Indigenous languages.
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Level of advancement: Advanced
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| How will this session be beneficial for the communities in the region?
The benefits to the participants of indaba are expressed in the expected outcomes and benefits of the proposal below:
Expected outcomes
- Collaborative framework: Establish a sustainable network of stakeholders engaged in African Indigenous language preservation, enabling ongoing knowledge sharing, collaboration, and support.
- Enhanced language resources: Develop comprehensive and accessible language archives, dictionaries, grammar, and educational materials, supporting future research, language revitalization initiatives, and educational programs.
- Empowered communities: Empower Indigenous communities by providing them with the tools, resources, and skills necessary to actively participate in language preservation efforts, fostering cultural pride, self-determination, and intergenerational language transmission.
- Technological innovations: Explore and develop AI-driven language documentation tools, mobile applications, and online platforms that facilitate language learning, translation, and cross-cultural communication for African Indigenous languages.
- Policy advocacy: Promote policies and initiatives at national and regional levels that recognize the importance of African Indigenous language preservation, supporting community-led efforts, and allocating resources for language documentation, education, and revitalization.
Objectives
- Establish a collaborative network: Create a platform that brings together linguists, researchers, language activists, Indigenous communities, and relevant organizations to foster knowledge sharing, collaboration, and coordination in African Indigenous language preservation.
- Documentation and archiving: Develop standardized methodologies and tools for documenting and archiving African Indigenous languages, ensuring comprehensive and accessible language resources for future research, education, and language revitalization efforts.
- Capacity building: Organize workshops, training programs, and exchange initiatives to empower Indigenous communities with the necessary skills and knowledge to actively participate in language preservation activities, including linguistic documentation, literacy programs, and community-led language initiatives.
- Technology integration: Explore the use of technology, such as AI-driven language documentation tools, mobile applications, and online platforms, to facilitate language preservation, learning, and cross-cultural communication.
- Cultural preservation and empowerment: Promote the involvement of Indigenous communities in decision-making processes, respecting their cultural protocols and ensuring that language preservation efforts align with their values, aspirations, and priorities. Emphasize the role of language in cultural identity, empowerment, and community well-being.
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