The launch of Afrolinguals Magazine on 14 November 2024 marked a historic milestone for the African language services industry. Inspired by Multilingual, a globally recognised publication in the language services industry, Afrolinguals seeks to establish a dedicated resource for the African context. As one of the first publications dedicated exclusively to this field, Afrolinguals aims to provide a knowledge-sharing platform, foster collaboration, and elevate the industry across the continent.
Two years ago, Kabod Language Services was founded with a vision to create structural systems and tools that would enhance visibility and promote collaboration among African language service professionals. Since then, Kabod has launched several initiatives, including the Marketplace of African Translators and Interpreters (MATI) and the African Language Translators and Teachers (ALATT) community. These projects have paved the way for collaborations like Afrolinguals Magazine, developed with the input of language professionals across Africa.
Takeaways from the Launch
The event was expertly moderated by Christian Elongue, the Managing Director of Kabod, who guided the discussions and ensured a smooth flow of insights from panelists and participants. The launch event featured a dynamic panel discussion, offering insights into the magazine’s origin, vision, and impact. The theme of “visibility” was highlighted as essential for industry progress, providing a dedicated platform for African language professionals to share ideas, network, and drive constructive industry dialogue. Below are some key insights from the speakers:
Johan emphasised the role of Afrolinguals as a powerful tool for advocacy and visibility for African languages and language professionals. He highlighted that while a wealth of information is available, it can often feel overwhelming. A dedicated publication focusing on the African language industry, such as Afrolinguals, provides a centralised, curated source for insights and developments. Johan also noted that such platforms foster community among African language professionals by showcasing industry achievements and addressing unique challenges to counter misconceptions and attract investment.
Florian underscored the dual role of publications in content creation and curation. He noted that while original content is essential, the ability to distil and highlight the most critical industry trends is invaluable. Florian applauded Afrolinguals’ role in creating a cohesive community for the African language industry. He noted that, unlike established language organisations in North America and Europe, Africa lacked a unified industry platform until now. He expressed excitement for Afrolinguals’ potential to connect and represent language professionals across the continent, commending the initiative and expressing his interest in reading and sharing future issues.
Isabella expressed enthusiasm for the magazine as a resource to deepen her understanding of the African localisation industry. She looks forward to exploring this market and expressed hopes for future collaborations between GALA and Afrolinguals, valuing the magazine as a fresh and necessary addition to the global language services landscape.
The panelists unanimously agreed that Afrolinguals is a significant addition to the industry, providing critical insights and contributing to the growth of the African language services sector.
Afrolinguals stand as a beacon for the African language services industry, providing much-needed visibility, knowledge-sharing, and professional development opportunities. The inaugural issue symbolises Kabod’s commitment to building an informed and collaborative language service community in Africa. Through this publication, Kabod aims to inspire more investment, engagement, and innovation within African language services, ensuring that Africa’s diverse linguistic heritage is preserved and promoted globally.
In case you missed the event, you can rewatch the recording here and download the magazine here.
If you would like to contribute or advertise in the next edition of Afrolinguals Magazine, kindly reach out to us at: languages@kabodgroup.com
