YMCH EVENTS

NIGERIAN LANGUAGES DATA AND SCI-TECH CONFERENCE (NLDSTC) 2023

The Nigerian Languages Data & Sci-tech Conference is a first-of-its-kind multilingual conference in Nigeria. The goal of the conference is to create a platform that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the Nigerian languages’ inclusion in science and technology.

We aim to bring together linguists, researchers, educators, community members, and policymakers who are invested in the preservation, documentation, and revitalisation of Nigerian languages.

One primary objective of the conference is to raise awareness about the importance of preserving and promoting linguistic diversity and inclusive sci-tech initiatives. It seeks to highlight the cultural significance and inherent value of Nigerian languages, emphasizing that no language should be left behind or forgotten in the development of any science and technology tool. By showcasing the richness and complexity of Nigerian languages, the conference aims to foster appreciation and respect for linguistic diversity among participants and the wider public.

Additionally, the conference provides a platform for sharing research, experiences, and best practices related to low-resourced languages to which the Nigerian languages belong. Linguists and researchers can present their findings or projects on various aspects of language documentation, revitalisation strategies, and the development of language technologies tailored to Nigerian languages. This exchange of knowledge and expertise fosters collaboration and innovation, encouraging participants to explore creative solutions for the unique challenges faced by our languages.

Another important goal of the conference is the localisation of terminologies (neologism) that hitherto never existed in the Nigerian lexicon. By bringing together community members, educators, and policymakers, the conference facilitates dialogue and collaboration on language archival and revitalisation efforts. It provides an opportunity for community-driven initiatives, such as language data collection projects, language schools, cultural programs, and digital resources, to be shared, discussed, and celebrated. The conference also enables policymakers to understand the needs and aspirations of our communities, encouraging the development of supportive policies and funding opportunities.

Overall, the goal of the language conference is to inspire, empower, and mobilise stakeholders to work together in preserving, promoting, revitalising, and documenting Nigerian invaluable linguistic treasures. Through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community engagement, the conference seeks to create a sustainable and inclusive future for Nigerian languages, ensuring their survival in the face of Artificial Intelligence and other technological shift.

The theme of the 2023 edition is “Bridging the Nigerian Languages Gaps in the Sci-Tech World: Fostering Inclusivity through Collaboration” and it promises to be informative.

Find the schedule of events here for free access to the one-week, first-ever multilingual virtual Nigerian Languages Data and Sci-Tech Conference.