The Incorporation of Shikomori to Improve ICT Comprehension, Access, and Uptake by Comorian Communities

Despite the transformative potential of ICT, the exclusion of Shikomori from digital platforms significantly undermines digital inclusion in the Comoros. This paper explores the incorporation of Shikomori, the indigenous language of the Comoros Islands, into Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to improve understanding, accessibility, and uptake within Comorian communities. Linguistic differences are acknowledged as a significant impediment to the adoption of ICT. It is posited in this discourse that by leveraging the familiarity and cultural relevance of Shikomori, the digital divide may be bridged and inclusive technological advancement fostered. In the Comorian context, the digital divide refers to the gap between not only urban and rural populations but also young and old users’ access to affordable and reliable internet and digital technologies, as compounded by limited digital skills and infrastructure.  Digital transformation, on the other hand, focuses on expanding digital access and services, such as e-government platforms and quality internet networks to overcome this divide and foster socio-economic development. This study examines the development and implementation of Shikomori-localised ICT solutions in four key sectors; namely, tourism, administrative documents, education, and national telecommunications. In the tourism sector, the study examines the development of multilingual mobile applications that provide tourist information and navigation in Shikomori, thereby improving accessibility for local guides and community-based tourism initiatives. In the context of administrative documentation, it explores the digitisation of forms and documents in Shikomori with the objective of enhancing bureaucratic processes and fostering greater citizen engagement. In the field of education, the analysis of educational software and online resources in Shikomori is undertaken with a view to enhancing students' comprehension and knowledge retention. Moreover, the study investigates the implementation of Shikomori voice interfaces and text messaging services in national telecommunications to improve accessibility for individuals with limited literacy or fluency in official languages. The study integrates a linguistic-cultural relevance framework, postulating Shikomori integration as essential for achieving inclusive digital transformation with methodologies including linguistic analysis, user-centered design, and participatory development to ensure the solutions' effectiveness and cultural appropriateness. The findings emphasise the significant potential of Shikomori integration to democratise access to ICT, promote digital literacy, and empower Comorian communities.