Linkages Through Language: Omokolawola Lamikanra

OL: We’re a very small team comprised of people from different countries in Africa and we’re trying to create social impact. Our teachers are all indigenous speakers, living in the communities back in Africa where they speak these languages every day. At the same time, we’re giving these people in Africa the chance to connect with people abroad and also earn a living through teaching. What we’re going to be paying them will be way above whatever their basic wages are in the country they’re in.

OL: A few years ago, the president of an African country [Mozambique] spoke Swahili at an African Union summit. Everyone was scrambling around, because there were no translators for Swahili. That showed something – even with the leaders of all 54 African countries, we’re not speaking our own languages. Language brings a kind of togetherness; it makes you realise, this person is my brother. For anything to grow, there has to be brotherhood. To have a common goal, we have to speak the same language. If you come to the table as 54 different entities, not as brothers, nobody respects you. African languages are important for the strength and unity of the continent.

OL: We will cater to African communities first, but there are people who are not African but who want to learn our languages. The Chinese are the number one investors in Africa right now. The basis for communications between Africans and the Chinese is usually English or French for now. But if there is a chance to learn African languages, I’m sure they’d be happy to. There will also be tourists coming to visit who want to learn about African languages, who want to visit the market, who want to know what to say when they get to their hotel. The plan is to go beyond Africa.

OL: I’m Yoruba but I would love to learn Igbo! I think it’s a very romantic language; I’ve actually already signed up to learn Igbo on Lingua54. By the end of 2021, I hope to be a fluent Igbo speaker.