Mali turns to advanced technology to enhance use of its local languages

Mali is turning to technological solutions to enhance the use of its local languages, particularly Bambara, which is one of the most spoken languages in the region, the Washington Post reported.

In an innovative move for linguistic independence, the Malian government has utilized artificial intelligence to translate over 140 books into Bambara, part of a larger effort to move away from the country’s colonial legacy and the French language that has been predominant.

This digital transformation in education is contributing to the cultural renaissance, with Malian students now gaining access to laptops equipped with software that transforms text into local dialects, including Bambara.

The initiative, RobotsMali, was launched in 2023 and has shifted from translating classic literature to creating AI-generated stories relevant to Malian life and culture.

Not only does the program facilitate text translation, but it also generates accompanying images and reading comprehension tests, further enriching the student learning experience, the Washington Post further said.

It should be mentioned that there is a growing global interest in AI applications for language education and translation, particularly for less-resourced languages.

Companies and institutions are exploring technology not only to translate but also to foster linguistic empowerment in regions where local languages are underrepresented.