Towards a Model of Integration of Underserved Cultural Factors in Software by Reverse Localisation: Case Study in Yemba Culture

This paper aims at contributing towards an empowerment of underserved culture through computer applications. It is inspired by the conviction that successful strategies can lead to balanced chances for all cultures in the context of computer applications. It raises and investigates the problem of cultural divide observable in computer applications and pave the way to the preservation of underserved cultures with such tools. We find that reverse software localisation approach as defined by [1] can help under-resourced cultures not to be engulfed by the dominating Western way of building computer applications. An approach to integrate underserved cultural factors in computer applications is provided and consist of investigation of cultural markers, followed by translation or adaptation, implementation and evaluation by end-users. As a case study, we investigate the cultural localisation of editor for the Yemba culture in Cameroon. It gives access to the use of a text editor to users fluent in Yemba culture. The adaptation of most computer software to non-native environments does not always capture the features of the target culture. Despite some trade-offs, this work has a strong symbolic value in the empowerment and preservation of the Yemba culture, and for underserved cultures.