Wikimedia+Libraries/Program/Submission/The inclusive language and local content in Wikipedia: Using mother tongue in information sharing

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Title of your proposal[edit]

The inclusive language and local content in Wikipedia: Using mother tongue in information sharing

Name(s) and/or username(s)[edit]

User:Ngostary2k
Email: ngostary2k@yahoo.com
Affiliations: Nigeria Wikimedia User Group; Igbo Wikimedia User Group; Ig Wiki Librarians Hub

Topic[edit]

  • Advocacy and Outreach in Local Contexts

Type of submission (Please choose one)[edit]

  • Individual Presentations (15 minutes)

Keywords and hashtags[edit]

Local content, Igbo User Group, information sharing, language, mother tongue, Wikipedia

Abstract[edit]

There is a uniqueness in a language that reflects cultural heritage and a sense of belonging. The use of the mother tongue in translating foreign resources and the transmission of information ensures the sustainability of a language. It also serves as another source of information sharing. Indeed, the library and Wikipedia understand the significance of cultural knowledge. This is the reason they become providers and supporters of local content creation to prevent the extinction of roots and the originality of the people. Translating information in local languages into Wikipedia is so laudable that every ethnic group wants to be featured. Today, librarians are being included in Wikipedia programs, creating articles and getting visibility as well as garnering grants and funds to create more opportunities for the libraries, academics and the communities they serve. These have improved the articles and enabled editors to many Wikimedia local translations. These include Catalan, Spanish, Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Italian, etc. The African continent needs to increase its mark in the Wikipedia translation. The fact that education and enlightenment seem to be taking over the cultural heritage makes it imperative to facilitate the local language in Wikimedia and use it as a community engagement strategy. The Igbo User Group of the Nigeria Wikipedia Community, together with Wikimedian+librarians, have been carrying out activities on creating local content and translating articles. It is therefore ideal that Igbo language and local content are supported, enhanced and sustained in Wikipedia just like other languages. This presentation will highlight the overview of the activities of the Igbo language translations in information sharing. It will examine the prospects of community information and engagement with Wikimedia. This is a qualitative study. Focus group discussions and interviews were used for data collection. The findings are presented using logical framework analysis (LFA). The participants agreed that translating Wikipedia articles will ensure the enactment of oral information, the documentation of intangible cultural heritage, and the creation of more translators on Wikipedia. The topics of language and local content are proper for everyone and the library professionals

Expected outcomes[edit]

The presentation seeks to inspire participants on the need to encourage and sustain local language
Participants will have the idea of engaging the community with contributing local content in Wikipedia
Participants will be inspired to join Wikipedia language user groups in their countries to acquire the skills of translation and teach their users

Duration (without Q&A)[edit]

15 minutes for individual presentation

Specific requirements[edit]

Projector and Board

Interested attendees (Please add yourself, and you may indicate your questions to the presenter).[edit]

  1. Karolingva (talk) 16:52, 18 July 2022 (UTC)[reply]
  2. briing