Evaluating the Accessibility of Digital Resources for Nǀuu Language Revitalisation: The Study of Internet and Social Media
Simphiwe Mlaba 
, Walter Tshamano & Matefu Lefty Mabela
Issue: Vol.6 No.5 Issue Article 20 pp. 642-652
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20256520 | Published online 25th April, 2025
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
The rapid growth of the internet and social media platforms has led to the acceptance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in exploring ICT-based solutions for revitalising indigenous languages, such as the Nǀuu language. This study sought to evaluate the accessibility of material on the internet and social media to revitalise the Nŀuu language. Linguists, members of the ≠Khomani San community, and scholars expressed enthusiasm to actively preserve the N|uu language. Using a qualitative methodology and a case study design, the study recruited sixteen participants with a National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 8 and higher in African Languages, Linguistics, and Language Practice. The results showed that social media and internet platforms do not readily provide the resources required to revitalise the Nǀuu language. While most participants could not find any N|uu language language learning resources on social media sites, those who could access preferred videos with pronunciation coaching. These results suggest that more language learning resources should be broadly available and visible across various social media platforms and the internet to ensure that people are exposed to the N|uu language and support their study of it. This study contributes to scholarship by emphasising accessibility problems for Nǀuu language materials online and arguing for more structured, community-driven digital tools to facilitate language revitalisation.
Keywords: Nluu, ≠Khomani San, Language Revitalisation, Language Learning Material, Internet
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Ms. Simphiwe Mlaba Ms S. Mlaba holds a National Diploma, Bachelor of Technology and a Master of Language Practice from the Tshwane University of Technology. Ms Mlaba has built a diverse career in Language Practice, with roles spanning court interpreting, academic lecturing, writing, and translation. She has worked as a Court Interpreter, a Lecturer, and a Language Practitioner with the South African Police Service, where she interpreted in internal disciplinary hearings, transcribed and translated critical legal documents. Currently, she serves as a language practitioner at Snikokuhle Holding, providing specialised services such as translation, copywriting, and program development. Her expertise extends to proofreading, editing, and creative writing across various fields.
Dr. Walter Tshamano studied law and languages for his undergraduate studies. He completed two Masters programmes, in African languages (specializing in Tshivenḓa) and Management (Human Resources Management and Development) at the University of Limpopo and Johannesburg respectively. He completed a Doctor of Literature and Philosophy (DLitt et Phil) in African Languages at the University of South Africa, focusing on language policy implementation in Higher Education institutions. He worked as a language teacher and lecturer before joining the University of South Africa Directorate of Learner Support and Community Engagement as Head of the Learning Centre; and later, a Deputy Director. He joined the Tshwane University of Technology as Campus Director; and later, Campus Rector. Walter is a published author in diverse areas, including Mathematics, short stories, poetry, and instructional manuals in the teaching of African Languages. He also worked as an editor for several South African publishers. He has also read papers at national and international conferences, as well as publishing in diverse areas such as language teaching, policy and implementation, student learning and engagement, language and culture promotion, economic revitalization through languages, just to name a few. He has supervised Honours and Masters students and acted as a Masters and doctoral external examiner.
Dr Matefu Lefty Mabela, a language and education scholar, began his academic journey with a National Diploma in Language Practice from Tshwane University of Technology in 2008. He later obtained a Bachelor of Technology in Language Practice in 2011, and a Master’s degree in 2016, focusing on the linguistic rights of ethnic minorities and language policy in South Africa. In 2020, he earned his Doctorate in Language Practice, focusing on the interplay between language and socio-political dynamics. Dr Mabela has been lecturing at Tshwane University of Technology since 2013 and has actively participated in departmental committees focused on research, innovation, teaching, and learning. He is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Tshwane University of Technology, where he conducts and publishes research on the development of South African indigenous languages and language policy. His notable publications include, among others: “Language and discourse in contemporary South African politics: A Critical Discourse Analysis”; “Exploring Intellectualisation of South African Indigenous Languages for Academic Purposes”; and “Intellectualisation of Northern Sotho for scientific purposes.” He has presented his research at conferences, seminars, and symposiums. His research fields of interest are generally sociolinguistics and language practice.
Mlaba, Simphiwe, Walter Tshamano and Matefu Lefty Mabela. “Evaluating the Accessibility of Digital Resources for Nǀuu Language Revitalisation: The Study of Internet and Social Media,” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 6, no.5 (2025): 642 – 652. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20256520
© 2025 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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