Assessing the impact of AI translation systems on Igbo Language: a critical discourse analysis

Abstract

The advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) translation technologies presents a transformative approach to language learning and translation, however, their impact on languages like Igbo remains understudied. This research critically examines the effects of AI translation on the Igbo language, exploring its cultural, linguistic, and socio-political implications. Using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as a framework, this study investigates how AI translation outputs (re)present Igbo language and culture, perpetuate language ideologies, and reinforce existing power dynamics. The study using a qualitative CDA of a corpus of Igbo to English translated texts with a purposive sampling of AI translation tools evaluated the translations made by AI powered Igbo to English translation tools. The findings reveal that AI translation can compromise the accuracy, cultural relevance, and nuances of Igbo language translation, with significant consequences for language preservation, cultural identity, and social justice. This research contributes to the ongoing debate on the role of AI in language translation, highlighting the need for more contextualized and culturally sensitive approaches to AI development and deployment, particularly for African languages. The study's recommendations emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts between linguists, cultural experts, and AI developers to ensure that AI translation technologies promote linguistic diversity, cultural inclusivity, and social equity.Keywords: Artificial Intelligence translation, Igbo language, Critical Discourse Analysis, cultural representation, language preservation.