Kubtatana Magazine -Issue 2

AFR I LABS

KUBATANA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2022

Have you ever felt like something has been around for so long that you cannot imagine a future in which it will not exist? Language is that thing. And it has evolved with “man” from the caveman days to the developed stages of Latin, English, French, German and others. There are over 7,000 languages spoken worldwide, and over 2,000 are spoken in Africa, with some communities sharing the same languages. Language is the primary tool of communication. This has advantages and disadvantages, making language sometimes a barrier to communication. The multiplicity of languages has long been a barrier and a significant factor in division among communities and societies. This has created several challenges such as difficulties in communication, feelings of non- inclusiveness, mistrust and disunity among communities, illiteracy, and political suspicion and instability among others. For meaningful development to occur among communities and countries across Africa, there must be a form of communication that cuts across several people, cultures, and the spoken language. Developing a common language makes the community stronger. Any sociologist might say that a common language is often the foundation of a community. When everyone uses the same vocabulary or language, the community becomes more cohesive. You can shape communal behaviour with positive language. This is where technological languages come in, making technology a form of language. Technology is becoming a world unifying language, faster than the conventional spoken language. It has become so advanced that its use cuts across different spheres and strata of people in society - from those in rural areas to those in well-developed communities. The use of modern-day technology has helped to overcome the barrier of the conventional spoken language. In today’s world, people that speak different languages can still communicate and drive

collaboration and innovation with the aid of technology. The language of technology is enhancing globalisation and multinational partnerships at an ever-increasing rate. AfriLabs strives to drive innovation and technology through the technological language, thereby enhancing socio-economic growth and development in a continent with over 2,000 indigenous languages. There is a more incredible feeling of belonging and togetherness when a common language is used. This sense of belonging and togetherness helps to provide a platform for collaboration, which leads to community growth and expansion. At AfriLabs, our Community of Hubs is at the centre of everything that we do, and we aim to drive the development of Africa through the common language of technology.

LANGUAGE AS A CATALYST FOR GROWING COMMUNITIES

BY RAHEL CHUKWU Francophone and Operations Manager, AfriLabs

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