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News Abstract
By: NewsAbstract Editorial Team
May 29, 2026
Dr. Leoma Gilley is advancing her initiative to train Africans in language development and translation. Her work, informed by decades of service across the continent, focuses on preserving cultural identity and voice through indigenous languages, viewing this as both a cultural and spiritual imperative.
The Institute for the Development of Languages and Translation in Africa (iDELTA) is a bachelor-level program she developed under SIL Global. It aims to equip local individuals to lead language and translation efforts within their own communities.
Upcoming iDELTA sessions include an English academic course in Nairobi, Kenya, from June 8 to July 31, 2026. A French-language program is also scheduled in Yaoundé, Cameroon, from October 12 to December 4, 2026.
This program emphasizes long-term sustainability by building local capacity, thereby reducing reliance on external support. The curriculum integrates language, literacy, and translation training with direct community application, including specialized tracks like Bible translation and linguistics.
Global development efforts are increasingly prioritizing local ownership and capacity building, moving away from models solely dependent on external aid. This approach ensures projects are culturally relevant and sustainable, driven by the communities they serve.
Programs that train local experts in fields such as linguistics and translation align with this trend, empowering regions to preserve their cultural heritage and foster self-reliance. Such initiatives are vital for safeguarding indigenous languages, which are intrinsically linked to identity, education, and societal well-being.