Zulu-Python: Our latest innovation towards efforts in
decolonization of knowledge.

Imagine being able to write computer programs in an African
language?
Here, we present Zulu-Python, a software tool that allows you to
write code in a Python-like syntax using IsiZulu. This is a research
innovation output from our Master’s student, Mandlenkosi Shezi.
Isizulu (or simply “Zulu”) is an African language (a Southern Bantu
language), spoken in Southern Africa and the language of the Zulu
people (primarily from the province of KwaZulu-Natal of South
Africa). Zulu is the most spoken language in South Africa with over
12 million speakers (or about 24% of the population) and
understood by over 50% of the population.

Why would anyone want to code in Zulu (or any other African
native language?)

(1). Language experts suggest that local languages could be
extinct given the dominance of other globally spoken languages
(such as English, French, German, Mandarin, etc).
(2).Certainly creates a lot of excitement in teaching and learning
amongst local students.
(3). Language-learning Aid: Zulu-Python allows you to translate
your #Python code to #Zulu and vice-versa. Hence, you get to see
in real time, what the English version of your code looks like in Zulu.
(4).This encourages indigenous research and innovative efforts,
within the context of African technological solutions in general.
(5). There are theories that suggests that it is easier to learn in
one’s home language, as several ideas or contexts get lost in
language translation.