Innovators Kitso Speaks and Glen Mokoka have developed the first AI capable of understanding and speaking Setswana, enhancing technology accessibility for non-English speakers. The project faces challenges like limited linguistic resources and Setswana’s complex grammar. Applications include education and healthcare, with ongoing efforts to incorporate regional dialects for greater inclusivity.
Innovators from Botswana, Kitso Speaks and Glen Mokoka, have successfully developed the first artificial intelligence (AI) system capable of understanding and communicating in Setswana. This significant advancement in Natural Language Processing (NLP) technology is designed to enhance accessibility for citizens who may struggle with English and other widely used languages. Speaks expressed his motivation for creating the AI to ensure that local languages and cultures benefit from global technological advancements.
Partnering with software engineer Glen Mokoka, who possesses a profound passion for African languages, Speaks aims to bring this vision to fruition. Mokoka articulates that the AI is a sophisticated computer program capable of processing, comprehending, and generating natural language. Its applications extend across sectors such as education—where it can facilitate interactive learning—and healthcare, providing essential medical information in Setswana to individuals in rural regions.
The development of Setswana AI presented unique challenges due to limited digital linguistic resources for the language. According to Speaks, the team had to build foundational datasets by collecting a variety of materials, including books and newspapers. Furthermore, Mokoka highlighted the complexity of Setswana grammar, noting that the use of prefixes and suffixes significantly alters word meanings, presenting a substantial hurdle in AI training.
Although the AI presently operates using standard Setswana, the innovators are actively working to include various regional dialects, thereby ensuring broader inclusivity and applicability across different communities. This initiative underscores a vital commitment to linguistic diversity and technological equity in Botswana and beyond.
The creation of the first AI capable of communicating in Setswana marks a pivotal achievement for Botswana’s technological landscape. Speaks and Mokoka’s efforts not only enhance the accessibility of technology for diverse language speakers but also promote cultural preservation in the face of global technological advancement. By addressing linguistic challenges and focusing on inclusivity, this innovation sets a precedent for future developments in natural language processing within regional contexts.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
