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Tech in Yoruba

Tech and AI in Yoruba Language

Tech and AI in Yoruba is a pioneering digital literacy body of work created by Wuraola Oyewusi with a mission to make technology and artificial intelligence accessible to Yoruba speakers worldwide. Since its launch in May 2022, this initiative has achieved significant global impact, reaching audiences in 22 countries and generating over 2.7 million impressions. It actively breaks down language barriers by teaching complex concepts in Yoruba and coining intuitive new terms for emerging technologies.

This work addresses a critical gap in tech education for low-resource languages by providing free, subtitled video content that spans foundational digital concepts to advanced AI demonstrations. By utilizing widely-used platforms such as YouTube, LinkedIn, and X, it equips learners with both the technical and linguistic skills needed to participate confidently in today's rapidly evolving digital world. The program serves two key audiences: people interested in learning the Yoruba language, and Yoruba speakers who want to deepen their understanding of technology and AI.

Its success demonstrates how technology can support cultural preservation while empowering people with the skills needed to navigate an increasingly digital world. The connecting thread is a shared interest in technology, and this work meets that interest through culturally grounded, accessible learning.

About the Initiative

Tech and AI Literacy in Yoruba is a pioneering framework for promoting digital literacy in low-resource languages. Since its launch in May 2022, the program has created over 47 educational videos covering approximately 5 hours of content, ranging from basic concepts like email and coding to advanced topics like Large Language Models (LLMs), Neural Networks, and Generative AI.

The initiative not only bridges the digital divide but also contributes to language preservation by developing a Yoruba AI vocabulary, coining intuitive terms for technical concepts such as Ọgbọ́n Àpinlẹ̀rọ (Artificial Intelligence), Ìkẹ́ẹ̀kọ́ ẹ̀rọ (Machine Learning), Sáyẹ́nsì àkíyèsí (Data Science), Ọpọ́n àwárí (Search Engine), and Ẹ̀rọ Ayélujára (Internet). This approach offers a replicable model for similar initiatives in other low-resource language contexts, contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Quality Education by enhancing digital literacy and promoting inclusive lifelong learning.

About the Creator

Wuraola Oyewusi is a Nigerian Data Scientist and AI Researcher based in the United Kingdom. Specializing in Natural Language Processing and AI in Healthcare, she is passionate about making technology accessible to underrepresented communities. As a LinkedIn Learning instructor, she has taught over 200,000 learners worldwide.

Her work extends beyond digital literacy to support language preservation for Yoruba speakers globally, empowering them with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate and thrive in the AI era. Learn more about her work at wuraolaoyewusi.com.

Academic Publication & Research

The methodology, impact, and scalable framework of this initiative have been documented in an academic publication, contributing to the field of AI and Natural Language Processing for low-resource languages:

📄 Tech and AI Literacy in Yoruba: A Scalable Framework for Low-Resource Languages
Published on arXiv (Cornell University)

The program has also been presented at the Global AI Cultures Workshop at the International Conference on Learning Representations (ICLR), a leading AI research conference.

Media Features & Recognition

The initiative has been featured in prominent media outlets, highlighting its innovative approach to digital literacy and language preservation:

Blog Articles

Explore in-depth articles about the project, methodology, and insights from teaching technology in Yoruba: