Google announced today that it is expanding its translation service to support a total of 110 languages. This improvement is made possible through the use of the PaLM 2 AI Model, which enhances the accuracy and quality of translations provided.
Among the languages being added are Afar, Cantonese, Manx, Nko, Punjabi (Shahmukhi), Tamazight (Amazigh), and Tok Pisin. These new additions cater to over 614 million speakers worldwide, representing approximately 8% of the global population.
It is important to note that these languages are in various stages of usage, ranging from those with millions of active speakers to those with very few. Google recognizes the importance of preserving these languages and takes into account factors such as regional variations, dialects, and spelling standards when adding support for each language.
For example, for languages like Romani, which has multiple dialects across Europe, Google’s models prioritize the most commonly used variety, such as southern Vlax Romani. However, elements from other dialects, like Northern Vlax and Balkan Romani, are also included to create a more accurate translation.
This initiative to add 110 languages to Google Translate is part of the company’s larger goal of supporting 1,000 languages through AI, as announced in 2022. Additionally, in the same year, Google introduced support for 24 languages spoken by more than 300 million people using its one-shot model.
In comparison, Apple recently revealed at WWDC that it will be adding support for Hindi to its translation app. However, Apple Translate currently supports just over 20 languages, showing that Google’s translation service offers a wider range of language options.
Overall, Google’s expansion of language support in its translation service demonstrates its commitment to making communication more accessible and inclusive for people worldwide. By incorporating advanced AI models and considering the unique characteristics of each language, Google aims to provide accurate and reliable translations for users across the globe.
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https://techcrunch.com/2024/06/27/google-traslate-adds-support-for-110-languages-representing-614-million-speakers/