ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND IGBO CULTURAL STUDIES

Abstract

The goal of this study is to examine the adequacy or otherwise of information on Igbo cultural phenomena on AI search engines with the aim to awaken the interest of the Igbo, government, scholars and researchers towards investing in, investigating and documenting the Igbo story. The question is why certain Igbo themes and phenomena are inadequately represented on AI. Why is there also bias by researchers, and what are the panacea as it concerns engaging in original researches. The Igbo nation in South Eastern Nigeria was the case that was investigated. The study employed systematic, purposive and random sampling methods validated by unstructured interview to discover the inadequacy of data on Igbo cultural themes. This paper employed a multidisciplinary approach in its analysis. Findings are that there is inadequacy of researchers to explore the African narratives. There is apathy by researchers, stereotype and persistent negative perception about the Igbo and craze for foreign values. Consequently, the inability of the Igbo to tell her story sufficiently makes AI naturally skewed against her. It is therefore recommended that traditional rulers be good custodians of the Igbo traditional culture. The government should also invest in research and development, and provide adequate infrastructure for a seamless academic exploration in order to sufficiently present the Igbo story for global audience. This paper further recommends provision of incentives and concerted effort in the academia to generate researchers and scholars with the aptitude for the true Igbo story.