Beyond the Data: Rooted in Language

A recorder’s reflection on reconnecting with heritage, family and community

Language has always been more than just communication for us here at Way With Words. One way in which we view language is as an act of remembering and preserving where we come from. With the evolution of technology, we remain committed to ensuring that indigenous languages are not left behind and that future generations will always have a space to return to their roots. One of our Xitsonga recorders, Calfornia Minyuku, shares with us what this means to her.

Rediscovering Our Roots

For Minyuku, the African Next Voices (ANV) project held meaning beyond a technical contribution to the future of language technology. It became a way to reconnect with her heritage and identity and a gentle nudge to why language matters. Despite living in a fast-paced world, ANV allowed her that necessary pause to stop and remember her roots.

“Going back to my roots, for me, means remembering where I come from, and the people and stories that shaped me.”

It is not only the distant past which defines her roots, but also the small, everyday traditions that are lost amid the busyness of life. Whether a family saying, a community ritual, or a simple way of being that embodies respect and connection, these are the radicles of heritage.

Through the act of recording, these deeply rooted anchors became tangible once more and Minyuku rediscovered those significant elements of her history and community that now live in her every spoken word.

The Trunk Which Strengthens

Like a trunk connecting its roots to its branches, ANV strengthened Minyuku’s connections between generations. She explains how recording has reconnected her to the pillars of her life and community, including grandparents, parents, and elders whose voices carry cultural knowledge and the wisdom of generations.

“This experience really did reconnect me with certain people in my life, like my parent and community elders. Hearing their stories again made me feel closer to them and more aware of where I come from.”

This holds the premise that stories are not just memories but living threads that link the past with the present through oral traditions. From one recording to the next, the presence of Minyuku’s loved ones and the Tsonga values they embody have been renewed and welcomed, reinforcing that language is a shared inheritance carried across time between people.

Branching into Shared Values

In a diverse world, it is easy for important values to be overshadowed. With ANV, Minyuku found urgency in preserving the core principles that construct the Tsonga community, the same values that extend outward and guide the way communities live, relate, and grow together.

“I think the Xitsonga values that are most important to keep alive today are honesty, respect and community. The world moves so fast now, it’s easy to forget these, but they really matter in how we live and treat each other.”

In preserving Xitsonga, we are preserving these values too, ensuring that every word remains embedded with cultural significance, social norms, and a collective sense of identity. Language, thus, becomes both a tool for communication and a keeper of tradition.

Leafing into Cultural Responsibility

Minyuku views her participation in ANV as an act of cultural care and giving back to her community.

“It feels like giving back, like helping make sure our language, traditions, and stories are not forgotten for the next generations.”

This sense of responsibility is deeply personal for her and her Tsonga community. Despite distractions while recording, Minyuku powered through, making the experience truly meaningful.

“Preserving culture in a world full of distractions isn’t easy. Yes, sometimes I got distracted while recording, but finishing it felt so good — like I was doing something important.”

We value her commitment.

Seeding the Future

The question of whether Minyuku would participate in a project like ANV again, or recommend it to others, was met with enthusiasm and agreement. It is clear that the project left a lasting impression and planted the seed that even small contributions are impactful.

“I would definitely do a similar project again in the future, and I would recommend it to friends and family. It’s a small thing, but it really matters.”

Undoubtedly, the Tsonga values of honesty, respect, and community will bloom in future generations thanks to Minyuku and our other Xitsonga contractors.

Reflections

With every language, we are exposed to the roots of the speakers, and our goal at Way With Words is to nurture the seeds that were planted and bring them to light. This is where we protect identity, restore values, and build connections. Every recording, every root, every voice contributes to a future where people can interact with technology in their own language with honesty, community, and shared memory.

We are deeply grateful to Calfornia Minyuku for lending her voice to ANV and for sharing her reflections with us.

You can connect with Calfornia here:

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