Dear colleagues (with apologies for cross-posting)

If you are interested in Human Language Technology (HLT), inclusive Natural Language Processing (NLP) models and the integration of Indigenous and African languages into computational processes, don’t miss our Towards a National Collection webinar on "Harnessing AI for Global South Languages".  

We have some great speakers lined up and look forward to welcoming you on 8th May. This online event is free and open to everyone, and we encourage you to share this invitation with anyone who may be interested.

INTERNATIONAL WEBINAR SERIES: 
African & Indigenous Futures: Harnessing AI for Global South Languages
08 May | 14:00 - 15:30 GMT 

BOOK A PLACE: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/880260341377?aff=oddtdtcreator 

This Towards a National Collection (TaNC) will focus on the integration of Indigenous and African languages into computational processes, bringing together Robert Pugh from Indiana University, Bloomington and Ignatius Ezeani from Lancaster University:

•	Robert Pugh, Indiana University, Bloomington: Indigenous voices past, present and future: Digital technologies for Nahuatl and Maya
•	Ignatius Ezeani, Lancaster University: NLP and Large Language Models: A Case for Inclusive Language Technologies.

Showcasing the role of innovation in preserving and revitalising African and Indigenous cultural heritage, these speakers will discuss the dynamic intersection of Human Language Technology (HLT) and inclusive Natural Language Processing (NLP) models. The webinar will address important topics when working within African and Indigenous spaces, such as:
•	the importance of collaborative efforts
•	accessibility of resources
•	careful design of bias-aware language models.

Robert Pugh: https://robertpugh.me/ 
Ignatius Ezeani: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/scc/about-us/people/ignatius-ezeani
Masakhane, a grassroots organisation whose mission is to strengthen and spur NLP research in African languages, for Africans, by Africans: https://www.masakhane.io/ 

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