In a bold move to reclaim its linguistic heritage, the Mali education sector, sponsored by the start-up RobotsMali, is harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to foster the learning of the Bambara language among school children. Over the past year, RobotsMali has collaborated with Mali’s Ministry of Education to create Bambara language educational materials using AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Translate. Their efforts have yielded a library of around a hundred AI-generated books, significantly boosting resources for teaching Bambara in schools.
As the nation transitions away from French, one of the former colonial languages, and promotes Bambara as one of its thirteen official languages, there’s a clear shift towards embracing local culture and languages. This initiative has been partly motivated by the effort to provide students with stories and content that resonate with their experiences, values, and interests. To achieve this, RobotsMali initially crafts stories in French with ChatGPT, which are then meticulously adapted to better represent Malian realities, removing any stereotypical or non-African elements, as RobotsMali’s co-founder Michael Leventhal has noted.
The subsequent translation into Bambara with the aid of AI-powered Google Translate is overseen by language experts who ensure accuracy and cultural relevance. High-tech image generators further complement the texts to visually enhance the final product. This initiative has reached over 300 primary school students with titles like “Le Bouton du roi” and “Gaoussou et le Roi Sidik,” making a significant impact in a country where literacy rates remain low.
This embrace of AI reflects a broader trend in Africa, where nations are increasingly developing technology that serves local needs and operates in a diverse array of African languages. The shift toward embracing indigenous languages and decoupling from Western influences mirrors the complex relationship Mali has had with France, especially in light of recent political events. Former Malian Minister of Higher Education and Research, Assétou Founé Samakén, has expressed hope that RobotsMali could lead the way in using AI to improve education, and ensure that no language is left behind as technology marches forward.
Current Market Trends:
The use of AI in education is a growing trend worldwide, and Africa is no exception. Numerous educational technology companies are turning to AI to provide personalized learning experiences, automate assessment, and facilitate language learning. In the context of Mali and other African countries, the focus on local languages addresses the need for culturally relevant teaching materials and acknowledges the diversity of the linguistic landscape.
Integration of AI in language preservation and education is emerging across the globe. Technology such as machine learning algorithms and natural language processing is increasingly used to document and revitalize languages that have few speakers, or which are underrepresented in digital media.
Forecasts:
The push for indigenous language instruction aided by AI in educational materials is expected to grow as technology becomes more accessible. The trend could lead to an increase in the quality of education and greater inclusion of local traditions and knowledge systems in school curricula.
Educational AI is predicted to become smarter and more adaptive, enabling more effective learning experiences that can cater to individual student needs. Over time, AI could become essential in education systems of developing countries, including Mali, as it has the potential to bridge resource gaps.
Key Challenges and Controversies:
A significant challenge is the accuracy and cultural sensitivity of AI translations, particularly for languages that are not widely represented in online data. While tools like Google Translate are continually learning from user inputs, languages with limited digital footprints may yield less accurate translations. Additional challenge is technical infrastructure in Mali, including access to computers and the internet, which is essential for leveraging AI-based education.
Moreover, there is controversy surrounding the use of AI in education, including concerns about data privacy, ethical use of technology, the dilution of traditional teaching methods, and potential job displacement for teachers.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
There are numerous advantages for Mali in leveraging AI to preserve the Bambara language and bolster national education:
– Personalized Education: AI tools can customize learning to individual student abilities and facilitate adaptive learning experiences.
– Cultural Preservation: Using AI to translate and create educational content in Bambara helps preserve the language and instill cultural pride.
– Resource Efficiency: AI can rapidly generate educational content, allowing for quick and cost-effective production of teaching materials.
– Inclusive Education: Language is a fundamental part of identity; by promoting Bambara in schools, Mali is ensuring more children see their culture reflected in their education.
However, disadvantages include:
– Translation Inaccuracies: AI may not always capture the nuances of language, leading to possible errors or misinterpretations.
– Digital Divide: Unequal access to technology may prevent equitable use of AI-driven education solutions.
– Technical Dependency: There is a risk of becoming too reliant on technology, which could be problematic in the event of tech failures or disruptions.
For the latest information regarding AI, educational technology, and their impact globally, these links to major organizations working in that space may be of interest:
– UNESCO
– IBM Research
– Google AI
Please note that developments in AI and education are highly dynamic, and new initiatives in this domain arise frequently. The URLs provided point to primary domains of relevant organizations and are valid to the best of current knowledge.
The source of the article is from the blog mivalle.net.ar