Botswana innovators Kitso Speaks and Glen Mokoka have developed the first AI capable of speaking Setswana. This innovation in Natural Language Processing aims to enhance technology accessibility for those uncomfortable with English. The AI will benefit education, healthcare, and businesses while working to include regional dialects in the future.
Two innovators from Botswana, Kitso Speaks and Glen Mokoka, have successfully created the first artificial intelligence (AI) system capable of understanding and communicating in Setswana. This groundbreaking advancement in Natural Language Processing (NLP) not only enhances technological inclusivity by catering to individuals unfamiliar with English but also promotes the use of indigenous languages in the digital realm.
Speaks articulated his motivation for this project, stating that witnessing global technological advancements while observing the neglect of local languages inspired him to develop an AI that communicates exclusively in Setswana. He collaborated with Mokoka, a software engineer committed to furthering African linguistic studies, to realize this vision.
Mokoka explained that, contrary to the perception of AI as science fiction, it is essentially an advanced program designed to process and generate human language. The AI’s applications are vast; it can enhance educational outcomes by assisting students in learning Setswana, providing healthcare information in rural areas, and supporting businesses with language-specific operational needs.
The development process faced significant challenges, particularly due to the scarcity of digital resources for Setswana. Speaks conveyed that they had to meticulously compile diverse resources, such as books and recorded dialogue, to create a functional dataset for the AI. Additionally, Mokoka highlighted complications arising from Setswana’s complex grammatical structure, where subtle changes in prefixes or suffixes can alter word meanings significantly.
Currently, the AI operates in standard Setswana, with future plans to incorporate regional dialects, ensuring broader accessibility and adaptability for various speakers across Botswana.
The development of the first AI system that communicates in Setswana marks a significant milestone in the advancement of technology for local languages. Kitso Speaks and Glen Mokoka’s innovative project not only promotes inclusivity in digital spaces but also addresses linguistic challenges in education and healthcare. By fostering accessibility and understanding, this AI initiative aims to bridge the gap between modern technology and cultural heritage.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
