TermLog: Bridging Linguistic and Technical Divides Through English-Nigerian Indigenous Language Glossaries

Presented by Adésinà Ayeni (Omo Yodbá) at the Language Documentation and Archiving Conference, Berlin & Online, 4-6 Sept, 2024.  The ongoing TermLog metalanguage project aims to fill a critical gap by developing a collaborative and community-led glossary of technical terms spanning various domains, disciplines, and subject matters in both English and Nigerian indigenous languages. With a focus on supporting Nigerian language development and archival efforts, TermLog endeavors to bridge linguistic gaps and foster inclusivity within the digital landscape. TermLog serves as a dynamic repository of terminology, facilitating seamless communication and knowledge dissemination across linguistic boundaries. By collating and standardizing technical terms in English and Nigerian indigenous languages, the project strives to empower native-language communities. Key features of the TermLog project include: Linguistic Diversity: Embracing the rich linguistic diversity of Nigeria, TermLog encompasses a wide array of indigenous languages, including Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and more. Through meticulous research and collaboration with linguistic experts, the project ensures the accurate translation and contextualization of technical terms in each language. Domain Specificity: Recognizing the diverse fields of knowledge and expertise, TermLog caters to multiple domains, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, the humanities, and beyond. By providing domain-specific glossaries, the project facilitates language development and archival efforts across various disciplines. Community Engagement: TermLog actively engages with language enthusiasts, translators and interpreters, educators, and researchers to solicit feedback and contributions. Through participatory approaches, the project fosters a sense of ownership and collective responsibility towards preserving indigenous languages. Technological Integration: Leveraging digital technologies, TermLog employs user- friendly interfaces to enhance accessibility and usability. At present, TermLog is a web-based platform, but it has the hope of migrating to mobile application technology to democratize access to linguistic resources and promote language revitalization efforts. In conclusion, the TermLog metalanguage project represents a significant step towards advancing Nigerian language development and archival initiatives.