Language exclusion in digital platforms refers to the practice of excluding or marginalizing certain languages on digital platforms, such as websites, applications, or online services. This exclusion can manifest itself in various ways such as: limited language support, language filtering, language bias in algorithms and inadequate translation or localization.

In this episode, Kerubo and Youlendree, alongside Irene Mwendwa, who is the Executive Director of Pollicy (a feminist civitech based in Kampala, Uganda) explore the limitations and challenges faced by individuals or communities who speak languages that are not adequately supported or represented in online platforms, applications, or services. It encompasses discussions on the lack of language options, limited translation or localization support, and the impact of such exclusions on communication, access to information, and inclusivity in the digital realm.

Language exclusion in digital platforms can have significant implications, including the perpetuation of linguistic inequalities, limited access to information and resources for speakers of excluded languages, and the marginalization of minority communities. It is important for digital platforms to recognize and address these issues to promote linguistic diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunities for all users.

9. Rachel & Anasuya on the journey to DTI-EA and beyond

Our last episode is a special one, hosted between two friends. Rachel Kagoiya [FEMNET Communications Lead] and Anasuya Sengupta [Whose Knowledge? Co-founder and Co-director] sit down to speak about the journey from the first Decolonizing the Internet in Cape Town to Decolonizing the Internet: East Africa [DTI] and so much more!

Reflecting on 2018’s DTI, Rachel says: “Being in that space and being deeply reflective, thinking and saying “Yaaa, this is the fire!”. This was the fire being lit for me in Cape Town and I kept thinking how do we keep fanning this fire until we’re able to have these conversations multiply.” The dream is to have these conversations for and about a feminist internet moving across different regions in Africa.

Anasuya walks us through some important terms, looking at why “feminist” and “decolonizing” are the words used to describe the work being done by and through the DTI gatherings Whose Knowledge? has convened yearly since 2018.

“The internet is not one of those, you know, fabulous breaks with history as many people make it out to be. It’s a continuation of the histories and structures of colonial capitalism,” she says. This makes an anti-oppressions lens compulsory when looking at the ways in which digital infrastructure and structures of power make themselves known.

Read the post-gathering summary report from the 2018 DTI and the 2022 DTI: East Africa.

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