'Languages Are Vessels of Identity, History & Knowledge': Nigerian Lexicographer
18:11 10.03.2026 (Updated: 18:41 10.03.2026)
© Photo Unsplash/zhendong wang
Subscribe
'Languages Are Vessels of Identity, History & Knowledge': Nigerian Lexicographer
Technology is key to preserving African languages and ensuring they remain relevant in the digital age, Philip Akoda, Nigerian lexicographer championing Yorùbá language preservation through technology, told Sputnik Africa.
Modern innovations—from e-books to smart devices—are reshaping how people interact with language, making digital representation essential, said Akoda, who is also the founder & CEO of Nkanda, a platform dedicated to preserving and digitizing African languages and cultures.
African languages must be integrated into emerging technologies to avoid being left behind, he noted.
Akoda also highlighted the cultural depth embedded in African languages, noting that traditions such as Yorùbá poetry and the Ifa corpus contain rich knowledge on storytelling, conflict resolution, and everyday life. Documenting this heritage is crucial, he added, because once such knowledge is lost, it cannot be fully recovered.
He also called for stronger government support and greater collaboration between universities, tech startups, and cultural institutions to fund language technology and strengthen digital infrastructure.
Ultimately, Akoda believes that embracing indigenous languages alongside modern technology will help Africans preserve their cultural heritage while strengthening their global impact.
Technology is key to preserving African languages and ensuring they remain relevant in the digital age, Philip Akoda, Nigerian lexicographer championing Yorùbá language preservation through technology, told Sputnik Africa.
Modern innovations—from e-books to smart devices—are reshaping how people interact with language, making digital representation essential, said Akoda, who is also the founder & CEO of Nkanda, a platform dedicated to preserving and digitizing African languages and cultures.
African languages must be integrated into emerging technologies to avoid being left behind, he noted.
Akoda also highlighted the cultural depth embedded in African languages, noting that traditions such as Yorùbá poetry and the Ifa corpus contain rich knowledge on storytelling, conflict resolution, and everyday life. Documenting this heritage is crucial, he added, because once such knowledge is lost, it cannot be fully recovered.
He also called for stronger government support and greater collaboration between universities, tech startups, and cultural institutions to fund language technology and strengthen digital infrastructure.
Ultimately, Akoda believes that embracing indigenous languages alongside modern technology will help Africans preserve their cultural heritage while strengthening their global impact.
