Talk Learning With Me Designing for Culture: Why Accessibility Means More Than Alt Text - Talk Learning & Culture with Maryam Abdulkadir
14 snips
Jul 31, 2025 
Maryam Abdulkadir, a UK-born learning designer of Nigerian heritage, shares her insights on the importance of cultural relevance in accessibility. She argues that traditional views on accessibility often overlook the nuances of cultural context. The conversation explores how language embodies emotion and meaning beyond mere vocabulary, emphasizing that learning isn't truly accessible without understanding these subtleties. Maryam highlights the need for empathy in design and warns against assumptions that can hinder effective learning experiences.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Cultural Language Challenges
- Maryam's return to Nigeria exposed her to diverse languages and cultural nuances impacting learning.
- She experienced the challenge of translating concepts like "snow" that don't exist in local languages.
Accessibility Requires Cultural Context
- Accessibility in learning means more than accommodating impairments; it requires cultural relevance.
- Creating "contextual accessibility" ensures learning content resonates with local experiences and understanding.
Design With Cultural Empathy
- Be empathetic to learners' cultural backgrounds when designing educational content.
- Consider if your message aligns with their lived experiences for greater inclusion.