Language by the Beach: Post Hundzula 2024

Workshop website: https://sites.google.com/view/hundzula-retreat

Once a beacon of connectivity and knowledge, the internet now struggles with an insidious threat: misinformation. False narratives and malicious disinformation campaigns threaten social cohesion and erode trust. Recognizing this danger, the Data Science for Social Impact (DSFSI) research group leverages cutting-edge natural language processing (NLP) to combat this phenomenon. The Hundzula NLP workshop in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, buzzed with researchers, linguists, and legal experts all eager to explore the potential of NLP for Africa. Discussions centered on the latest advancements in NLP and its role in tackling African challenges, particularly in cultural preservation.

The Data Science for Social Impact (DSFSI) group presented their impactful work on NLP tools like AfriSenti and AfriHate, designed to combat the spread of misinformation. The workshop also highlighted the importance of collaboration between NLP researchers and linguists. By ensuring accurate translations, they aim to prevent the loss of nuance in African languages within the digital realm. This focus on inclusivity paves the way for a future where technology empowers African languages and cultural heritage. Their contribution went beyond insightful presentations. DSFSI researchers, including Idris who spoke on “Creating representative datasets for African NLP,” showcased their impactful work on projects like AfriSenti and AfriHate. These NLP tools are specifically designed to combat the spread of misinformation, a critical threat in today’s digital age.

The workshop also emphasised the importance of collaboration between NLP researchers and linguists, like Dr. Connie Makgabo, Ms. Neo Putini, and Ms. Seani Rananga who participated in a panel discussion. The discussions underscored the critical role of accurate translation in countering misinformation. Their insights highlighted the profound impact of translation errors on indigenous languages and emphasised the importance of linguistic validation in NLP tools to preserve linguistic nuances and ensure accurate information dissemination. By fostering inclusivity, the Hundzula NLP workshop paves the way for a future where technology empowers African languages and cultural heritage to thrive in the digital age.