Paper short abstract:

This study presents findings from a study conducted with Nigerian-language speakers. We explore indigenous perceptions of annotation practice for Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa. Participants redefine annotation expertise on their own terms, integrating cultural norms that are inherent to their identity.

Paper long abstract:

This paper presents insights from an interview study conducted with native Nigerian-language speakers. We explore community-based perceptions of effective annotation practice for three Nigerian languages: Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa. Participants discuss ideal annotation practices that diverge from the dominant 'Anglophone lens', ways of knowing that characterize the colonial and hegemonic power of the English language. In doing so, they redefine annotation expertise on their own terms, integrating cultural norms that are inherent to their identity. Therefore, the presentation of such “non-traditional” expertise both exposes and challenges the epistemic violence of Western annotation practices. Additionally, such indigenous expertise provides an opportunity for the ethical and accurate development of machine translation for Nigerian languages.