After downgrading the French language last year from “official language” to “working language”, Mali is now seeking to promote the use of indigenous languages among young Malians.
“As Mali’s relations with French […] have become more strained, efforts to use AI to create children’s books in Bambara [the most widely spoken language in the country] and in other local languages are gaining momentum,” reports the Washington Post.
The importance of preserving local languages
Mali, a country with multiple languages and cultures, recognizes the importance of preserving and promoting local languages. While French was once considered the official language of the country, the establishment of a decolonization process has led to a change in the status of this language. Today, Mali seeks to enhance its indigenous languages, which are an essential element of its cultural identity.
The role of artificial intelligence in creating children’s books
To address this need to enhance local languages, Mali is relying on artificial intelligence. Companies like RobotsMali are using AI to create stories that reflect the life and culture of ordinary Malians. Instead of simply translating French classics into local languages, these teams are directly engaging with AI to obtain examples of situations and scenarios specific to the reality of Malian children.
Thanks to AI tools like Google Translate, which recently added Bambara to its translatable languages, the first series of translations are being produced. This allows Malian schoolchildren to discover their mother tongue in written form, which has often been a novelty until recently.
Children’s books adapted to Malian culture
The use of artificial intelligence in the creation of children’s books allows for the adaptation of stories to Malian culture. The examples provided by AI are sorted and selected based on their relevance to most young Malians. Thus, children can read stories that reflect their own experiences, highlight their cultural values, and are more in tune with their daily reality.
An opportunity for learning and development
This project of creating children’s books in local languages in Mali offers many opportunities for children. In addition to discovering their own mother tongue, they can cultivate their love for reading and learning. The stories created with the help of artificial intelligence stimulate their imagination and foster their curiosity.
This initiative also encourages the linguistic development of young Malians by motivating them to express themselves in their mother tongue. It thus contributes to strengthening cultural identity and preserving the traditions of the country.
An innovation full of hope
The efforts made by Mali to promote the use of local languages through children’s books are promising. They demonstrate that artificial intelligence can be used creatively and positively to preserve linguistic and cultural diversity.
Thanks to these initiatives, more and more Malian children will be able to immerse themselves in stories that speak to them, reflect their reality, and enhance their linguistic pride. This contributes to building a more balanced and respectful society of its diverse cultures and languages.
