02
Chido Musodza, Radio Voice of the People

Localising Access
Chido Musodza followed up with a talk
on the importance of Localising Access.
The concept behind her presentation
was that mobile phones and the internet
dependent technologies could have
more impact if Zimbabwe’s population
was able to access these technologies
in a relatable language and context.
The use of foreign and dominant
languages such as English, French, and
Mandarin caused a language barrier in
some instances which prevented locals
who may not be conversant in any of
those dominant languages from being
able to access and use the Internet or
to fully utilise their smartphones which
are usually in English.
The adoption of mobile phone-based
services such as mobile banking,
mobile money services such as
Ecocash, short messaging, and making
voice calls are all dependent on the
user’s ability to interact with their
device. If the language of interaction is
foreign, then there is a barrier between
the user and the mobile device or
service being accessed. But what does

28

Misa Zimbabwe Second Internet Governance Multi
Stakeholder Conference 21 September 2017

localisation mean? Does it simply refer
to the translation of Applications to
a local language? The answer is no,
localisation of access means going
beyond simply translating the language
of an Application from language A
to language B. It means taking into
consideration the context and culture
within which that Application will be
used. Localisation of access also means
incorporating other languages that
are usually overlooked such as sign
language and braille.
She also spoke about the challenges
to be overcome when localising Apps
which include but are not limited to
a lack of resources in low income
countries, African languages for
example, Shona usually have a number
of diverse dialects. Local languages also
lack the adequate words which properly
describe technical concepts such as
encryption or hacking. This limitation
of local languages also means it is hard
to teach technology related subjects in
local languages.

Select target paragraph3