Digitalverse and the African Narratives: AI as a New Platform for African Cultural Preservation
Document Type
Presentation
Location
436 Hodges / Zoom Room B
Start Date
29-3-2025 11:40 AM
End Date
29-3-2025 12:00 PM
Description
This article delves into the concept of digital universe as a transforming digital system for the preservation of African culture, with a focus on the unique role of artificial intelligence (AI) as a means of storytelling and cultural continuity. For long, there have been problems of availability of sustainable digital infrastructure where African storytelling can be preserved. This study therefore examines the intersection of AI and African storytelling through emerging digital projects, virtual storytelling spaces, and tools that digitize and translate African languages and oral traditions. It argues that AI not only expands the reach of African cultural narratives, but also introduces challenges, such as potential algorithmic bias and cultural misrepresentation, that must be addressed to ensure ethical applications. Through case studies and ethical considerations, this article highlights the potential for AI-driven cultural preservation while proposing a framework to guide the responsible use of AI in African digital humanities. The analysis concludes with future perspectives on collaborative efforts to safeguard African heritage in a rapidly evolving digital universe.
Digitalverse and the African Narratives: AI as a New Platform for African Cultural Preservation
436 Hodges / Zoom Room B
This article delves into the concept of digital universe as a transforming digital system for the preservation of African culture, with a focus on the unique role of artificial intelligence (AI) as a means of storytelling and cultural continuity. For long, there have been problems of availability of sustainable digital infrastructure where African storytelling can be preserved. This study therefore examines the intersection of AI and African storytelling through emerging digital projects, virtual storytelling spaces, and tools that digitize and translate African languages and oral traditions. It argues that AI not only expands the reach of African cultural narratives, but also introduces challenges, such as potential algorithmic bias and cultural misrepresentation, that must be addressed to ensure ethical applications. Through case studies and ethical considerations, this article highlights the potential for AI-driven cultural preservation while proposing a framework to guide the responsible use of AI in African digital humanities. The analysis concludes with future perspectives on collaborative efforts to safeguard African heritage in a rapidly evolving digital universe.