Mogadishu, (SONNA) – The National Communications Authority (NCA), in collaboration with the Academy of Arts, Culture and Literature and the Regional Somali Language Academy (AGA), on Monday launched a Somali-language cybersecurity terminology initiative aimed at developing and standardizing cybersecurity-related terms in the Somali language.
The launch event, held at the Regional Somali Language Academy headquarters in Mogadishu, brought together government officials, academics, linguists, cybersecurity experts, technology specialists, and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Acting Director General of the Academy of Arts, Culture and Literature, Abdifitah Ahmed Abukar (Foodcade), highlighted the importance of ensuring that the Somali language keeps pace with technological advancements.
“Language is the home of knowledge. If our language cannot keep up with modern technological developments, it becomes difficult for society to fully benefit from emerging innovations. This terminology initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen the Somali language, improve public services, and enhance public awareness,” he said.
Acting Chairman of the Regional Somali Language Academy, Prof. Abdalla Omar Mansur, emphasized the role of terminology development in advancing scientific and academic use of the Somali language.
“Terminology is what enables a language to function as a scientific medium. When creating new terms, it is important to standardize them, avoid literal translations, and build upon previous efforts to develop the Somali language. This ensures that the language remains capable of accommodating new knowledge and emerging disciplines,” he noted.
NCA Director General Mustafa Yasin Sheikh described the initiative as a significant step toward expanding the use of Somali in the field of cybersecurity.
“A unified Somali cybersecurity terminology will facilitate the development of legislation, policies, academic publications, and awareness materials related to cybersecurity. It will also help students, parents, and the wider public better understand digital concepts and cyber threats,” he said.
Mustafa added that the terminology framework would also support the translation of scientific articles, books, and other technology-related resources into Somali, improving access to knowledge and encouraging broader public participation in digital issues.
The cybersecurity terminology initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to promote the Somali language and strengthen its application in cybersecurity, enabling Somali citizens to better understand and benefit from concepts and innovations in the digital age.
