Yoruba Language Research Articles

Proficiency of Turing test on Nigerian Major Languages; Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa Using Google Translate

Google Translate performance evaluation in translating between English and three Nigerian languages: Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa, highlighting its strengths and limitations using the Turing Test. The study assessed whether participants could distinguish Artificial Intelligence (AI) - generated translations from human translations which reveals that Google Translate handles basic communication in these languages but struggles with more complex linguistic features. The tool adequately translates straightforward sentences in Yoruba language, but falters with idiomatic expressions, proverbs, and tonal nuances, the same problem refects in Igbo language facing challenges with more complex sentences and dialectal variations, resulting in culturally irrelevant outputs. Hausa performed better due to the availability of a larger training dataset, delivering more accurate translations for common phrases, but still struggled with cultural and contextual nuances.The findings suggest that Google Translate's limitations prevent it from passing a Turing Test with native speakers of Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa. While understandable translations are produced for basic sentences, native speakers can easily detect inconsistencies, awkward phrasing, and a lack of cultural nuance. These issues underscore the significant gap between AI translation and human-like proficiency for African languages. Keyword: Turing test, Nigerian Major Languages; Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa Using Google Translate Abiola, O.A., Adebisi R.O. & Akinola, S.O. (2024): Proficiency of Turing test on Nigerian Major Languages; Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa Using Google Translate. Journal of Advances in Mathematical & Computational Science. Vol. 12, No. 3. Pp 1-12 Available online at www.isteams.net/mathematics-computationaljournal. dx.doi.org/10.22624/AIMS/MATHS/V12N4P1

Appraisal of Compliance to Implementation of National Language Policy as it Affects Yoruba Language in FCT Primary and Secondary Schools

Despite the fact that the National policy on Education has for years unequivocally stated the importance of Nigerian Languages in effective and functional teaching and learning in primary and secondary schools, governments at various levels and other implementers of the language policy has been reluctant to implement its content to the letter. Consequently, teaching and learning of Nigerian Languages, including Yoruba has suffered a serious setback. The focus of this research is the appraisal of the compliance level of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) education policy makers, stakeholders and school administrators to the teaching of Yoruba language in FCT primary and secondary schools, using eighteen (18) randomly selected schools as areas of study. Those primary and secondary schools were selected across the six Area Councils with consideration for the urbanity and rurality of the school environment to achieve reliable and valid results. Questionnaires were distributed and analyzed; Descriptive Survey Design was employed for the analysis and frequency count, percentage and mean were used to arrive at reliable results. The outcome of the research was used to illuminate how the low compliance to the implementation of the National Language Policy in FCT has militated against proper teaching of Yoruba language in FCT government primary and secondary schools.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and psychometric testing of the STarT musculoskeletal tool into Yoruba language among persons with low back pain

BackgroundThe STarT Musculoskeletal (MSK) tool is a validated tool used to stratify patients with musculoskeletal disorder, as a guide to applying intervention and prognosticating outcomes. Only few translations and cultural adaptations of it exist. The availability of the tool in local and indigenous languages may help improve comprehensibility and usage among patients. This study was aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the STarT MSK tool into the Yoruba language, and to determine its psychometric properties.MethodsThe first stage of this study involved translation of the English STarT MSK into the the Yoruba language following the Beaton criteria. A total of 55 respondents with low- back pain attending a University Teaching Hospital participated in the validity testing, while 25 patients responded in the reliability test of the tool. The Quadruple Visual Analogue Scale (QVAS) and the Fear Avoidance Belief Questionnaire (FABQ) were used for the convergent and the discriminant validity of the tool.ResultsThe mean age of the respondents was 52.13 ± 13.21 years. The Yoruba version of the STarT MSK (STarT MSK–Y) had an acceptable concurrent validity (r = 0.993; p = 0.001). The discriminant validity of STarT MSK–Y with FABQ yielded correlation co-efficient scores of r = 0.287; p = 0.034 and r = 0.033; p = 0.810 for FABQ-Work and FABQ-physical activities. The result indicated that STarT MSK–Y had fair discriminant validity with FABQ-work and a weak correlation with the FABQ-physical activities. The convergent validity of STarT MSK–Y indicated significant correlations with all domains and global score of the QVAS (r = 0.727; p = 0.001). The test- retest reliability and internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = α) of the STarT MSK–Y yielded ICC = 1.00 and α = 0.97 for the global score of the items, respectively. The factor loading for five items were satisfactory ranging from 0.46 to 0.83.ConclusionThe STarT MSK–Y has acceptable validity and reliability and can be used as a valid assessment tool among Yoruba-speaking patients with low back pain.

Qualitative assessment of psychosocial factors influencing adolescents living with HIV in targeted health facilities in Kwara state Nigeria

BackgroundThere is growing concern about the rising prevalence of HIV infection among adolescents worldwide and the various challenges that accompany living with HIV among this population. This study investigated the social and psychological factors influencing adolescents living with HIV in selected treatment health facilities in Kwara State, Nigeria.MethodsStudy adopted qualitative data collection method with six focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted across three health facilities, three sessions each for both males and females. Discussions were conducted in English and Yoruba languages, audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Content analysis was performed using MAXQDA Analytic Pro 2020.ResultsA total of 44 participants, comprising 24 males and 20 females aged 10 to 19, participated in the FGDs. More than ninety percent of the adolescents had not disclosed their HIV status to anyone beyond the health care providers, their parents/caregivers, and a few immediate family members. Keeping their HIV status private helped mitigate stigma and discrimination. Common immediate reactions to status disclosure to the adolescents included sadness, hopelessness, and bitterness. However, Operation Triple Zero program, which offered peer-to-peer learning and effective mental health services has been very effective and helpful. Also, sexual risk behavior is still high among sexually active adolescents despite their HIV-positive status.ConclusionAdolescents living with HIV face numerous social and psychological challenges, including sadness about their HIV-positive status. This exposes them to various mental health disorders. However, Operation Triple Zero has been acknowledged as the most effective platform for meeting their psychosocial needs.

Intersection of African Indigenous and Christian Ethics in Fanny Crosby's Hymns: Yoruba Cultural Perspective

This study set within the context of Yoruba cultural perspective, explores the complex mantle of African indigenous and Christian ethics embedded in the hymns of Fanny Crosby(1820–1915). Bridging the gap in the literature that have analyzed Crosby'sdeep-rooted work in Christian theology, the author sargue that the ethical values and moral teachings epitomized in her hymns significantly resonates the indigenous ethics of the Yoruba people, one of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria. Through a qualitative analysis of four of Fanny Crosby's hymns, this study identifies thematic counterparts between Crosby's Christian ethics and the Yoruba concepts of "ìtẹŕ íba" (submission), "ojúàánú" (mercy), "ìfẹń iarajin" (commitment), and "ìfẹ"́ (love) which form the philosophy of interpersonal relationships and community life of indigenous people. The methodology of the study combines ethnographic study with the matic and interpretive phenomenological analysis to evaluate the ethical connotation of the sampled hymns that agrees with Yoruba moral values. The findings opined that while Crosby's hymns communicate Christian ethical values, its translation to Yoruba language echoes the indigenous moral imperatives of indigenous people, thereby encouraging a cross-cultural ethical interaction. The study contributes to the broader discourse on intercultural theology and ethics and opens new avenues for investigating the influence of African indigenous thought on Christian practices.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and psychometric evaluation of the brief illness perception questionnaire into Yoruba language among persons with chronic low back pain

BackgroundIllness perception may influence the coping behaviors of patients. There is a lack of tools to measure this construct among Yoruba speakers. Therefore, we translate, cross-culturally adapt and determine the reliability and the validity of the Yoruba version of the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ-Y).MethodsThe translation and cross-cultural adaptation process was according to Beaton criteria. The psychometric testing of the BIPQ-Y was carried out among 28 consenting patients with low back pain attending a university teaching hospital, while only 10 of them participated in the reliability test. The convergent and discriminant validity of the BIPQ-Y was carried out using the Fear Avoidance Belief Questionnaire and Quadruple Visual Analogue scale. Confirmatory factor analysis was to assess construct validity.ResultsThe mean age of the respondents was 47 ± 15.3 years. The concurrent validity of the BIPQ-Y was excellent (r = 0.996) for the total score of BIPQ-Y while the internal consistency was moderate (α = 0.52). The test–retest of BIPQ-Y yielded excellent results with item intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) ranging between 0.833 and 0.973 and an overall ICC of 0.889. For the confirmatory analysis of the BIPQ-Y, the factor loading for the eight items ranged from − 0.071 to 0.799 and the composite reliability was good with a score of 0.68.ConclusionThe BIPQ-Y demonstrated excellent psychometric properties that are satisfactory with standards, and it is recommended for assessing illness perceptions of patients with chronic low back pain among the Yoruba-speaking populations.

ASSESSMENT OF YORUBA LANGUAGE CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION IN LOWER PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

There is notable inadequacy in the amount of Yoruba Language content being offered to learners, which could impede their self-sufficiency. It thus appears that the methods and instructional materials stipulated for Yoruba Language Curriculum are not adequately used to impart knowledge to the pupils. This study, therefore, examined the qualifications of teachers teaching Yoruba Language in lower primary schools in Osun State; assessed the availability and usage of instructional materials in teaching Yoruba Language in the lower primary schools and ascertained the appropriateness of the methods being used as stipulated in the Yoruba Language curriculum in the study area. These were with a view to providing empirical information on the quality of teachers teaching Yoruba Language, the availability as well as usage of instructional materials and the appropriateness of the methods being used at the lower primary schools in Osun State. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. Three research instruments were employed in this study namely Yoruba Language Teachers’ Questionnaire (YLTQ), Yoruba Language Instructional Material Checklist (YLIMC) and Yoruba Language Teaching Method Observation Checklist (YLTMOC). Data collected were analyzed using percentages and frequency counts. The results showed that majority (62.8%) of the Yoruba Language teachers possessed Nigerian Grade II Teachers Certificate and the National Certificate of Education (NCE) as their educational qualifications. The findings of the study also showed that most of the instructional materials that were available in the schools were not adequately used by the teachers teaching Yoruba Language in the study area The study further revealed that methods used in majority of the schools are appropriate as prescribed by the National Policy on Education (2013).Keywords: Yoruba Language; curriculum; lower primary; instructional resources

A Rule-based Approach to English-Okun Prepositional Phrase Machine Translation

Okun culture is gradually going into extinction because the language is greatly dominated by English language. Therefore, this research developed a rule-based English-Okun machine translator using prepositional phrase. The dataset used were obtained from locally spoken words and the correctness of the re-write rules was tested using Java Formal Language Automata Package. Human judgment was employed in evaluating the system based on orthography accuracy. Results show that the developed translator is 95 percent accurate while experimental subject respondents have an accuracy of 58 percent. The developed machine translator’s performance is closer to the Experts’ but higher than that of the experimental subject respondents, this shows that indigenous people are not good at writing Okun language and find it hard to separate the dialect from Yoruba language. Hence, research in EnglishOkun machine translation should be intensified in order to prevent the language from going into extinction and future research should consider extending the full form bilingual lexicon of Okun language to achieve improved accuracy.

Beyond the Translation of Initial Meaning: The Localization of Yoruba-bound ICT Terminologies

Research in translation is often centred on issues that bother on literature, language teaching, style, processes, etc. This study examines the translation of Yoruba-bound ICT terminologies beyond their raw meaning as presented by the English language and culture. It deploys localization, the third in the GILT arrangement of Globalization, Internationalization, Localization, and Translation in modern technology translation. The objectives of this study are to: identify certain ICT terminologies in English, describe adoptable strategies for translating the terminologies for Yoruba end-users, examine how the terminologies are understood in the Yoruba locale as intended by the initial meaning, highlight the difficulties involved in the interpretation of the terminologies into Yoruba, propose cultural and linguistic models for translating ICT terminologies from English into the Yoruba language and enable Yoruba end-users of computer system for ICT access information in Yoruba language. The study adopts Bell’s linguistic and psycholinguistic model (1991) to analyze and synthesize the structural organization of linguistic materials of the ICT terminologies and their translation beyond their surface meaning. The study finds out that: the traditional approach of translating Euro-based terminologies by loanwords may yield little result; localizing ICT terminologies will enhance the appreciation of ICT materials by Yoruba end users; difficulties involved in the interpretation of ICT are both linguistic and cultural, and that ICT terminology translators are technical and cultural mediators. The study concludes that the marketing and purchase of ICT products are likely to be more embraced by Yoruba end users with the use of localized expressions to translate them. It recommends that in the world of GILT, translating beyond the initial meaning of the structure of linguistic materials of the ICT terminologies is a snapshot.

A Contrastive Study of the Comparative and Superlative Inflectional Morphemes of English and Yoruba Languages

This paper analyses and contrasts the comparative and superlative inflectional morphemes of the English and Yoruba Languages with the aim of identifying the morphological and syntactic structural differences, which may pose some difficulties to the Yoruba learners of English as a second language. The study adopted the Contrastive Analysis (CA) theory as its theoretical framework as well as the qualitative descriptive design with a content analysis approach, while using a textual data collection method. The study revealed that while the English language uses the inflectional markers “-er” to mark the comparatives and “-est” to mark the superlatives of adjectives and adverbs; the Yoruba language on the other hand employs lexical items “-ju…lo” as comparative marker and “-julo” for the superlative marker through partial reduplication. The paper further discovered that while the inflectional morphemes of the English language are all suffixes, the Yoruba language lends itself to both, but majorly prefixation. However, the comparative and superlative markers of both English and Yoruba languages are suffixes. In addition, the English language in its grammatical rules contains some exceptions or irregularities, which may further pose some challenges to the second language learner. The study therefore recommends that second language learners, whose first language is Yoruba, should ensure proper learning and acquisition of the correct formation and usage of all the comparative and superlative markers of the English language, in order to improve their proficiency in the language.

Development of Yoruba Dialects Classification Model for Automatic Speech Recognition Systems Using KNN

This research presents, the development of Yoruba dialects classification Model for automatic speech recognition systems (ASRs) using K-Nearest Neighbor (K-NN). Research had revealed that ASRs perform better with correct dialects classification. Therefore, a non-parametric (i.e K-NN) model was developed and implemented on a Matlab 2021 platform to classify three (3) dialects (Ijebu, Ibadan and Ondo) from Ogun, Oyo and Ondo states respectively of Nigeria. The dialects were recorded at different environments, data sizes and at “opus file” format. They were later converted to “.wav” using the EZ CD Audio Converter Software. The Program4Pc Video Converter Pro was used to trim the converted audio waveforms to the same size and converted them to image signals suitable for model training, validation and testing. The results showed that the developed K-NN Classifier worked with an average performance accuracy of 91.11% and Recall {Sensitivity) of 86.67%. These results indicated that the model can be used to classify dialects of the same language hence, can help to improve the performance of robust ASR systems. However, for further improvement, better Classifiers that can handle large volumes of data should be employer.

Beyond the Translation of Initial Meaning: The Localization of Yoruba-bound ICT Terminologies

Research in translation is often centred on issues that bother on literature, language teaching, style, processes, etc. This study examines the translation of Yoruba-bound ICT terminologies beyond their raw meaning as presented by the English language and culture. It deploys localization, the third in the GILT arrangement of Globalization, Internationalization, Localization, and Translation in modern technology translation. The objectives of this study are to: identify certain ICT terminologies in English, describe adoptable strategies for translating the terminologies for Yoruba end-users, examine how the terminologies are understood in the Yoruba locale as intended by the initial meaning, highlight the difficulties involved in the interpretation of the terminologies into Yoruba, propose cultural and linguistic models for translating ICT terminologies from English into the Yoruba language. The study adopts Bell’s linguistic and psycholinguistic model (1991) to analyze and synthesize the structural organization of linguistic materials of the ICT terminologies and their translation beyond their surface meaning. The study finds out that: the traditional approach of translating Euro-based terminologies by loanwords may yield little result; localizing ICT terminologies will enhance the appreciation of ICT materials by Yoruba end users; difficulties involved in the interpretation of ICT are both linguistic and cultural, and that ICT terminology translators are technical and cultural mediators. The study concludes that the marketing and purchase of ICT products are likely to be more embraced by Yoruba end users with the use of localized expressions to translate them. It recommends that in the world of GILT, translating beyond the initial meaning of the structure of linguistic materials of the ICT terminologies is a snapshot.

The Quest for Cultural Renaissance in Wole Soyinka’s <i>Childe Internationale and Alápatá Àpáta</i>

Critics of Wole Soyinka’s works have always identified the cultural impulses of his Yoruba origin in his dramaturgy. This engagement can be segmented into slants that seek a renaissance of his culture through his use of its tropes to intervene in the social malaises mirrored in his works and through a commitment that seeks the survival of his culture in the postcolonial milieus. This paper focuses on Soyinka’s engagement with the subject of cultural renaissance through a postcolonial reading of Childe Internationale and Alápatá Àpáta. While underscoring Soyinka’s commitment to the survival of his culture in the hybridised contexts presented in the plays, the paper points out that Soyinka’s dominant discussions on cultural renaissance have been primarily associated with his ‘Children plays’. The paper exhibits some of the critical aspects of culture that the playwright has isolated to validate his quest for a cultural renaissance. The paper’s conclusion gives accreditation to the playwright’s concerns about the dwindling fortunes of his Yoruba culture and language but doubts if there is any remedy in sight on account of some other overwhelming adverse social conditions in the plays.

Indigenous Language Endangerment as the Hearse of Democratic Culture among the Yoruba People of Nigeria

There is a proven intricate interconnectedness between language and culture. Most Yoruba political office holders demonstrate degrees of English language proficiency as evidence of English-medium Western education. It is thus logical to expect them to have become democratic in behavior. However, many that have held political posts in Nigeria have proved undemocratic. One then wonders how they successfully avoided being “infected” by the democratic values of Western cultures. One could logically conclude that a typical Yoruba politician is unable to learn democratic values from Western education because of the long history of the monarchical system of government. This paper, however, probed the existence of democratic values in Yoruba precolonial government. Data were obtained from 200 respondents through a mix of accidental and stratified sampling techniques. A four-item interview guide was administered to the respondents by the researcher. Among the findings is that the Yoruba language is replete with proverbs, aphorisms, and idioms capable of promoting democratic values. Comprehensive implementation of mother-tongue-based multilingual education up to the end of secondary school level is thus recommended for the preservation of the democratic values of their traditional cultures to facilitate adequate understanding of Western democratic literacy.

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, awareness creation and risk communication of Covid-19 pandemic amongst non-literate population in South-West Nigeria: Lessons for future health campaign.

Risk communication of Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria appeared to be urban-centered with the dominant use of social media, print communication and other controlled media. In such times of public health emergencies, non-literate population could be vulnerable as a result of their limited understanding of the nature of such health risk. Therefore, the study seeks to investigate the extent to which Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) communicated the risk of Covid-19 disease to non-literate population in its public health campaign during the pandemic in South-West Nigeria. The study adopts risk communication theory which advances the approach communication should take during public health emergencies. Using descriptive cross-sectional mixed methods research design, a sample of 420 respondents were purposively selected from 6 towns in the rural areas of Lagos, Oyo and Osun states to examine the level of awareness on Covid-19 pandemic among non-literates. In addition, NCDC risk communication on Covid-19 for non-literate population were analyzed from 3 Jingles in Yoruba language as well as 9 flyers designed for Covid-19 disease from NCDC websites. Results showed that NCDC awareness creation on Covid-19 disease for non-literates in Southwest achieved significant success as a result of the medium used in creating awareness. Specifically, radio was highly rated among majority of the respondents (60.4%) followed by health workers (19.8%) as channels that created understandable message on Covid-19 safety protocols. Further findings on Jingles content revealed that all Covid-19 safety protocols were communicated in Yoruba language for Southwest populace. However, NCDC fall short in communicating Covid-19 risk effectively for non-literates in Southwest as jingles only buttressed the Covid-19 safety protocols and symptoms as well as the need to comply, without educating the masses on the dreadful nature of the disease and its dynamics. Though flyers designed by the NCDC communicated risk to an extent, nevertheless, graphics and symbols on Covid-19 disease were complimented by words in English language only, which could be difficult for non-literates to decipher. Based on the findings, the study recommends that public health agencies need to educate non-literate population about the nature of a disease more than creating awareness about the outbreak of a disease, and such education should be strategic, context-specific, and evidence-based.

Speaking of Animals: A Conceptual analysis of Animal Metaphors in Yoruba

Figurative expressions, particularly metaphors, play a pivotal role in shaping our interpretation and comprehension of human discourse within a cultural system. In Yoruba culture, the metaphoric use of animal forms an indispensable component of daily life, manifesting in diverse forms, including proverbs, music, oral literature etc. To this end, previous studies have primarily concentrated on the stylistic use of animal-related metaphors in Yoruba language. This paper diverges by using a conceptual/cognitive approach to explore how specific animal terms and their associated concepts are metaphorically employed to represent various facets of human experiences, behaviors, and attributes. Data collection involved a one-week purposive observation and audio-recording of random discussions among Yoruba speakers in Ibadan, consultation with Yoruba language teachers and elderly family members. Audio-recordings were subsequently transcribed to extract all animal-related metaphoric expressions. These metaphors were then analyzed, organized and categorized according to Lakoff and Johnson’s Idealized Cultural or Cognitive Metaphor (ICM) framework. The study demonstrates the existence of conceptual connections between animal attributes and human traits in Yoruba culture as conveyed in twenty metaphorical expressions analyzed. The study also reveals that through the conceptual process of “mapping” across domains, animals in the source domain are used to depict various human experiences, behaviors, both semantically positive and derogatory to humans in the target domain through metaphorical means. This paper concludes that both domestic and non-domestic animals are employed to communicate intricate concepts and ideas via succinct and vivid imagery based on the sociocultural values, beliefs, and general worldview of the Yoruba people.

Towards Transformation of the Nigerian Youths: The Place of Yoruba Popular Music

Since the year 2012, West Africans, especially the Nigerian government and citizens have been witnessing an increase in civil crisis because of different crimes committed in African society and the involvement of the youths in these negative activities. Since music is said to have an emotional and psychological influence on human minds, this paper, therefore, examines the text content of and relevance of popular music in Nigerian society and highlights the role played by popular musicians as agents for positive transformation of the youths among the Southwestern part of Nigeria. Relying on Femi Adedeji’s Transformation musicological theory, this work explicates the song themes and other lyrical contents of selected popular music in the Yoruba language fashioned towards positive transformative direction, for the purpose of socio-cultural analysis. The research findings show that some Nigerian popular musicians have for over three decades, been making use of the message in their music to sustain the positive transformation of lives and behavior of people of Nigeria, especially the youths. The song lyrics by the old juju, fuji, apala, sakara, and Pop musicians are found to be more effective because of the Yoruba cultural concepts and moral values inherent in them. This essay concludes that music has an affective mechanism that positively influences the lives, personalities, and world-views of Nigerian youths in general if properly channeled towards a positive dimension. This paper concludes that the Nigerian government should use appropriate agencies like the National Film and Records Censor Board and Nigerian Copyright Council to prevent music that contains lyrics that can encourage violence and criminal acts circulated into Nigerian markets.

Translation Equivalents in Nigerian English and Ghanaian English

This research is an analysis of the translation equivalents in Nigerian and Ghanaian Englishes. Translation equivalents refer to manifestations of mother tongues interferences in which lexical items are substituted literally from other local languages to English language. This study discusses the data from ICE Nigeria and Ghana respectively that reflect mother tongue interferences. All the data were purposively drawn from International Corpus of English (ICE) Nigeria and (ICE) Ghana components. A total of thirty-nine expressions constitute the data for analysis in this study. An eclectic framework of language interference, transfer and language variation and change is used for analysis. The analyses are in three levels: sociolinguistic, semantic and corpus based. This study identifies some distinctive NE and GhE lexical items from ICE Nigeria and Ghana with their meanings. Examples include “raise voice and no light” (NE) and “feel the rain and kill time” (GhE). The translation equivalents in NE are majorly as a result of the influence of the Nigerian indigenous languages: Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa languages, among others. That of GhE is greatly influenced by the Akan, Ewe and Ga languages. The study reveals that translation equivalents in both varieties of English are quite related.

Philosophy of Body: Practicing Logic, Managing Diversity and Telling about that Practice and Management: the African Contribution to the Practice of Philosophy

While in predicating and designating, quantifying and generalizing, and in numbering, English speakers use one/many figuring, Yoruba speakers do the same in whole/part as they, like their English counterparts, do the little embodied rituals (with hands, eyes, gestures) that go with these acts. Numbers as used in English and Yoruba languages reveal two systems of abstraction constructed in two diverse systems of categorization. The disparity in the two strings of abstraction is the divergence between Yoruba and English, regarding the forms of actions that bodies do, actions that are in turn coded as the language users engage in predication and designation. As a part of grammar, natural number is a historical product; an attempt at giving meaning. It has been naturalized, and is no longer seen as a social product. Establishing how the truths numbers form come into existence, Verran explains quantifying as resulting from ritualized and routinized collective embodied acting. She renders an account of generalization in the explanatory frame of “emergent worlds.” She tells of the experience of doing quantification and managing diversity in a manner that allows a “going-on together” in Yoruba classrooms, markets, and civil administration. She tells of practicing diversity and telling about that practice, a responsible communication of diversity as practicable and amenable to matters of mutual concern. She also recounts an ‘irresponsible’ doing and telling of difference (conservativist universalism and liberalist relativism), a contriving that legislates a moral order, presenting difference as undoable and unmanageable. Contemplating worlds as outcomes of reciprocally rebelling and cooperating co-players, we find explanatory frames that not only celebrate difference and sameness, and appreciate the place of the inanimate in the animate (human), but also that do not radically sever the symbolic from the material.

Diacritic Restoration for Yoruba Text with under dot and Diacritic Mark Based on LSTM

Abstract
 Yoruba is a tonal language spoken primarily in Nigeria, some West African countries, and other parts of the world by over 40 million people. Many Yoruba texts written online lack tone marks, which can be confusing, ambiguous, and difficult for Natural Language Processing. This paper presents a method, which combines syllable-based approach and long short-term memory (LSTM) for diacritics restoration of standard Yoruba text.By enhancing the built-in varnishing gradient of RNN, the aim is intended to recover lost diacritics in Yoruba text for both characters that carry diacritic signs and underdot and return it with the proper diacritics. Data were acquired from Yoglobavoice, BBC Yoruba new and Yoruba words collected from literate indigenous writers. 27050 Yoglobalvoice datasets, 2000 Yoruba words extracted from BBC Yoruba news, and 1470 Yoruba words collected from a Yoruba language teacher.In addition, syllabic module was developed to group the tokenized word into different syllables. The output of the syllabication algorithm was fed into the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) module for training, the LSTM model was trained using 70% of the dataset and validated using 30% of the dataset. The result obtained showed 96% accuracy. From the result, it was observed that the use of LSTM for restoring diacritic gave an improved restoration of both character with under dot and character that contains tone-marks.