Discrepancies In Technological And Linguistic Ostracism: Barricades To Digital Literacy In Africa’s Indigenous Language Communities.

Abstract

Cyber education is a crucial component in the society, education and economy in Nigeria today. Nevertheless, not all the communities are included as a result of challenges of infrastructure, language and structure. This research assessed the influence of linguistic representation on digital literacy and technological access in Gboko and Makurdi Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State. The study assesses application of Technological Acceptance Model as a structure, thereby embracing a qualitative and literature-based frameworks, backed by secondary data drawn from policy reports, case studies and scholarly publication. Data were however presented using thematic analyses and tables. Results indicated that internet access and handsets are common and available in Gboko and Makurdi LGAs, constituents such as inconsistent and affordability relatedness prevent adequate access. The supremacy of English on digital policies deprecates indigenous languages such as Tiv, making it difficult for a Tiv monolingual to partake in English related activity. The tables show that majority of people in Gboko LGA use devices with others in common, while people in Makurdi LGA enjoy improved infrastructure but experience very high costs. The analysis show that linguistic incorporation exacerbates infrastructural problems that enhance epistemic sidelining. Nevertheless, community-based transformation, like growing a Tiv-language applications and digitising communities, exhibit how local solutions can minimise literacy challenges. The research submitted that digital literacy attempts in Benue State must properly considered both linguistic variety and infrastructural imbalances. It endorses policy modifications to make digital policies clearly attainable to native speakers, foster community-driven alterations, and fund in economical internet access. By incorporating linguistic and cultural contexts to that of digital master plans, Gboko Makurdi can adjust to dependable and comprehensive digital literacy