For many Africans residing in the UK, Europe, and North America, learning their native languages is a vital means of reconnecting with their heritage. However, existing language applications often lack the depth needed to effectively teach the nuances of languages such as Yoruba and Igbo. Addressing this gap is Adebola Onabanjo, a UK-based creative technologist and founder of Asalingo, an AI-powered voice learning platform tailored specifically for African languages.
Asalingo emphasizes hands-on, conversation-based learning, catering to second-generation Africans and language enthusiasts. It provides the technical resources necessary for users to learn and converse in their native languages—often neglected by global language apps. Rather than relying on rote memorization, the platform empowers users to engage confidently in real-world conversations, promoting meaningful language use.
In a departure from traditional methods that adapt frameworks from Western languages, Onabanjo developed Asalingo as a speech-centric platform. This approach is designed from the ground up to reflect the linguistic realities of African languages and the day-to-day experiences of diaspora users.
Innovative AI for Tonal Languages
Central to Asalingo’s technology is its speech-first methodology. Unlike conventional apps that prioritize text, Asalingo asks users to record audio responses to real prompts. This audio data is processed by an AI model specifically designed to recognize the patterns inherent in African languages.
A standout feature of the platform is its focus on sonic accuracy. In many African languages, the pitch of a word can alter its meaning entirely. Diaspora-focused AI models often struggle to detect these tonal variations. In contrast, Asalingo’s AI offers immediate audio and tonal feedback, guiding users in articulating the specific sounds that characterize languages like Yoruba. This level of precision ensures that learners not only build vocabulary but also grasp the functional aspects of the language.
A Mission for Cultural Preservation
The goals of Asalingo extend beyond individual learning experiences. By creating a digital repository for African languages, the platform aims to secure their longevity in an increasingly tech-driven world. Onabanjo envisions preserving the business, cultural, and social contexts these languages communicate across borders. Asalingo represents a conscious effort to develop voice technology that embraces and promotes linguistic diversity.
Currently, the company is expanding its language library and developing a digital dashboard tailored for language schools. Additionally, Asalingo is exploring partnerships with university African studies departments to integrate its voice technology into formal academic programs.
Designing Products for Authentic Use
Asalingo’s initial offering consists of concise, audio-driven learning sessions where users practice phrases, record their responses, and receive AI-generated pronunciation feedback. These sessions typically last between 10 to 15 minutes and are designed to align with real user behaviors and attention spans rather than rigid academic frameworks.
Rather than focusing on rapid user acquisition, the platform is committed to enhancing accuracy, refining tonal modeling, and improving lesson flows. A structured pilot program, based at the University of Hull, is also set to capture real-world feedback from diverse learners. This product-driven methodology is rooted in Onabanjo’s background in developing AI-driven digital experiences at Dexola Studio, where he focused on projects interwoven with cultural relevance.
As AI technology evolves, Asalingo is dedicated to ensuring that African languages are included in the digital mainstream. Onabanjo emphasizes that “African languages should not just exist in memory; they belong in the technologies that people use daily.” By equipping the diaspora with tools to converse in their native languages, Asalingo is safeguarding the digital future of Africa’s linguistic heritage. For more information on starting your learning journey with Asalingo, visit www.asalingo.com.
