Ifeoluwanimi Adebara is a PhD student in the Cognitive Systems program at the University of British Columbia. Her research focuses on natural language processing for low resource languages. Lately, she has been working on African languages including developing language resources and tools to aid automatic processing of human languages.
Learn more about what inspires Ifeoluwanimi's research and work in this Language Sciences Member Spotlight!
What are your current research interests?
My current research interests are focused on natural language processing (NLP) with a particular emphasis on enhancing accessibility to computers for African communities in their native languages. I firmly believe that language diversity is a crucial aspect of human culture, and I am dedicated to exploring how NLP can bridge the gap between technology and indigenous African languages. By developing robust NLP models tailored to African languages, we can empower people to interact with computers using their mother tongues. This has the potential to revolutionize the digital landscape in Africa and promote a deeper sense of inclusivity and cultural preservation. A vital aspect of my research involves delving into language policy. Language policies significantly impact the availability and accessibility of data for NLP tasks. By understanding and influencing these policies, we can ensure that linguistic data from various African languages is collected, preserved, and made accessible for research and development purposes. Ultimately, this will lead to more accurate and culturally relevant NLP models benefiting African communities. In essence, my research journey is driven by a strong commitment to language diversity, inclusivity, and the belief that technology should cater to the unique linguistic needs of different communities. By harnessing the power of NLP and advocating for thoughtful language policies, my aim is to contribute to the advancement of AI technologies that positively impact the lives of people, especially within the African context. Through this work, I strive to empower individuals and communities, leveraging the potential of language and technology to foster progress and opportunity.
How does your work intersect with Language Sciences?
My work intersects with language sciences by combining NLP techniques, language policy considerations, data collection, and a focus on underrepresented languages. My research showcases a holistic approach to Language Sciences. It addresses both the practical applications of NLP and the broader sociolinguistic implications of language accessibility, preservation, and empowerment. Your work contributes to the advancement of language technologies while fostering cultural diversity and linguistic heritage.
What’s a project you’ve worked on or completed within the past few years that you’re particularly proud of?
Over the past few years, I've had the incredible opportunity to work on two groundbreaking projects that I'm particularly proud of: AfroLID and Serengeti. Both projects revolve around African languages, and their impact on linguistic diversity, cultural inclusivity, and accessibility in the domain of AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) is truly remarkable.
AfroLID, or "African Language Identification Model," represents a significant achievement in language identification. Africa is a linguistically diverse continent, with thousands of languages and language varieties spoken. Developing a model like AfroLID that supports 517 of these languages is a complex task. However, through dedication and expertise, I have successfully crafted AfroLID, which can accurately identify and distinguish among this vast array of African languages. This accomplishment has immense practical applications in the world of NLP. On the other hand, Serengeti, a Language Model for African languages, showcases my commitment to building inclusive and linguistically-aware AI solutions. By covering 517 African languages and language varieties, Serengeti significantly contributes to the advancement of AI applications. With Serengeti I aim to unlock new possibilities for AI-driven solutions that cater to the unique linguistic preferences and needs of African users. Through Serengeti, my goal is to bridge the digital divide by making AI more accessible and user-friendly to African communities.
Both AfroLID and Serengeti hold not only technical achievements but also immense social and cultural value. They empower African users to interact with technology in their mother tongues, fostering a sense of identity, pride, and cultural continuity. I am incredibly proud to have contributed to AfroLID and Serengeti under the guidance of my advisor, Professor Abdul-Mageed. I firmly believe that these projects will continue to shape the landscape of AI, NLP, and linguistic preservation, leading us towards a future where technology embraces and celebrates the richness of our global linguistic heritage.
These projects have been published in EMNLP and ACL. AfroLID is fully available online at the UBC-NLP/afrolid repository: https://github.com/UBC-NLP/afrolid, while the Serengeti model will be uploaded online at: https://github.com/UBC-NLP/serengeti. Both projects are powerful tools that showcase the potential of NLP for African languages and demonstrate the importance of language diversity in AI research and development.
What inspires you to pursue your line of research?
I am inspired by the potential to make a meaningful impact on society and contribute to a more inclusive and accessible future. African languages have a diverse and rich linguistic landscape, with thousands of languages and language varieties spoken across the continent. However, many of these languages are underrepresented in the digital world, and many of them are being overshadowed by more widely used languages. This linguistic inequality has led to exclusion and limited access to technology, knowledge, and opportunities for millions of people. My research aims to change this narrative. By developing models like AfroLID and Serengeti that support a wide range of African languages. I envision a future where AI technologies are not limited to a handful of dominant languages, but instead, embrace the linguistic diversity of Africa. This inclusivity allows for more equitable access to AI-driven applications, services, and information for speakers of various African languages, empowering them to engage confidently with technology and the digital world. Moreover, I am passionate about preserving and promoting indigenous languages. Language is an integral part of cultural heritage, and when a language fades away, a piece of culture and history is lost forever. By making AI accessible to African communities in their mother tongues, we contribute to the preservation of these languages and foster a sense of pride and identity among their speakers. Seeing the positive impact of my research on individuals and communities, and witnessing how AI can bridge linguistic gaps and improve lives, fuels my determination to push the boundaries of what's possible. Every advancement in language technologies brings us closer to a future where language barriers are broken, where AI-driven solutions are culturally sensitive, and where technology becomes a true enabler for everyone. Ultimately, my inspiration lies in the belief that technology should serve the needs of all people, regardless of their language or cultural background. Through my research, I hope to contribute to building a world where linguistic diversity is celebrated, where AI is a force for good, and where technology becomes a catalyst for positive change in the lives of people from all walks of life.
If you had to choose a different career path, what would you be interested in pursuing?
If I were to choose a different career path, I would be interested in pursuing a career as a psychologist or a counsellor. The human mind and behavior have always fascinated me, and I find great fulfillment in understanding and helping others navigate their emotional and mental well-being. As a psychologist, I would be dedicated to studying the complexities of human cognition, emotions, and behavior. I would work with individuals to identify and address psychological challenges, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, using evidence-based therapies and interventions. Being able to make a positive impact on someone's life by assisting them in overcoming their difficulties and finding greater self-awareness and resilience would be incredibly rewarding. On the other hand, a career as a counsellor would allow me to provide guidance and support to individuals facing various life challenges. Whether it's helping someone through a career transition, relationship issues, or personal growth. Just as in my current research, where I aim to make AI more inclusive and accessible, in these roles, I would be dedicated to promoting mental health and supporting individuals in their journey towards a more fulfilling and balanced life.