Kalanga language digitalization project seeks community involvement

PLUMTREE, Zimbabwe — In a landmark initiative to preserve and promote the Kalanga language, a new project is calling on all Kalanga speakers to participate in a major digitalization effort. This ambitious venture aims to secure the language’s future in the digital age and includes creating a Kalanga version of Wikipedia. Spearheading the project is Professor Jeffrey Wills, a renowned linguist with a passion for minority languages.A critical moment for a vital languageLong a vehicle for Kalanga culture and identity, the Kalanga language faces modern challenges from dominant languages like Ndebele, particularly in digital and formal spaces. While the 2013 Zimbabwean Constitution officially recognized the Kalanga language, its representation in digital and educational spheres remains minimal.This new project represents a proactive step to close the digital divide and ensure the language’s continued vibrancy. Professor Wills, known for his work in linguistic preservation, explains, “Digitizing Kalanga is about more than just technology; it’s about empowering a community and preserving a rich heritage for future generations”.Call for contributorsTo succeed, the project needs the active participation of the Kalanga-speaking community. The call for volunteers is broad, seeking individuals with a range of skills and knowledge. This includes:

• Writers and editors: To create and edit content for the Kalanga Wikipedia.
• Historians and cultural experts: To provide accurate information on Kalanga history, traditions, and customs.
• Linguists and educators: To help standardize the orthography and develop educational resources.
• Students and tech enthusiasts: To support with data entry, proofreading, and online promotion.
• Elders and community leaders: To contribute their deep knowledge of Kalanga language nuances, proverbs, and oral traditions.

“We need the community’s knowledge and passion,” says a project representative. “A Kalanga Wikipedia will only be as rich and complete as the contributions we receive from our people.”How to get involvedInterested Kalanga speakers can express their interest by contacting the project organizers through the Kalanga Language and Cultural Development Association (KLCDA). Initial work will likely take place on the Wikimedia Incubator, where new languages are developed before being officially launched as a full Wikipedia.This collaborative effort offers a unique opportunity for Kalanga speakers to become digital pioneers and ensure their language thrives in the online world. By pooling their expertise, they can build an invaluable resource that celebrates and preserves their unique heritage for generations to come.Contact Information:
For more information or to volunteer, please contact the Kalanga Language and Cultural Development Association (KLCDA), Mr. Tshidzanani Malaba and or Mthulisi Ncube on +263 775 630 468, [email protected]