Botswana innovators Kitso Speaks and Glen Mokoka have created the first AI that communicates in Setswana, enhancing Natural Language Processing while promoting technology accessibility for non-English speakers. The AI has applications in education and healthcare, but also faced challenges due to limited linguistic resources and the complexities of Setswana grammar. The team aims to include regional dialects to improve inclusivity.
Two innovators from Botswana, Kitso Speaks and Glen Mokoka, have successfully developed an unprecedented artificial intelligence (AI) system that can comprehend and communicate in Setswana. This pioneering project not only enhances the field of Natural Language Processing (NLP) but also significantly increases technology accessibility for those less proficient in English or other widely used languages.
Kitso Speaks expressed his motivations for this initiative, stating, “I grew up seeing how technology was advancing globally, but it felt like our languages and cultures were being left behind.” His vision for creating an AI capable of seamless interaction in Setswana drove him to collaborate with seasoned software engineer Glen Mokoka, who has a deep appreciation for African languages.
Glen Mokoka elucidates that AI, often perceived as a fantastical concept, is fundamentally an advanced computer program that processes and generates language. He highlighted its applications across various sectors, noting, “In education, it can help students learn Setswana through interactive lessons or by translating difficult English concepts. In healthcare, it can provide medical information in Setswana, making it easier for people in rural areas to access essential health advice.”
Despite these advancements, the development of the Setswana AI was fraught with challenges, particularly due to the scarcity of digital resources in Setswana. Speaks remarked, “We had to start from scratch. We collected books, newspapers, and even recorded conversations to build a dataset for the AI to learn from.” Complications also arose from Setswana grammar, wherein slight modifications in prefix or suffix can drastically alter a word’s meaning.
Currently, the AI is capable of operating in standard Setswana, and the collaborators are earnestly working towards integrating various regional dialects for broader inclusivity.
The development of the first AI capable of communicating in Setswana marks a significant milestone for technology accessibility in Botswana. Kitso Speaks and Glen Mokoka’s efforts not only address the digital language divide but also promote cultural preservation in the face of globalization. Their work highlights the potential of AI to enhance education and healthcare through localized language resources while overcoming intrinsic linguistic challenges.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
