Exciting news from Google today as the tech giant announces the addition of support for 110 languages to its translation service. Utilizing its powerful PaLM 2 AI model, Google is taking linguistic diversity to new heights.
Among the newly supported languages are Afar, Cantonese, Manx, Nko, Punjabi (Shahmukhi), Tamazight (Amazigh), and Tok Pisin. These additions represent over 614 million speakers, roughly 8% of the global population. This move underscores Google’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
Google acknowledges the varying stages of usage these languages are in, from those with 100 million speakers to those struggling for preservation. The company’s dedication to linguistic diversity is evident in its efforts to support even the lesser-known languages.
When adding support for a language, Google takes into account regional varieties, dialects, and different spelling standards. This meticulous approach ensures that the translation experience is tailored to each language’s unique characteristics.
Issac Caswell, a software engineer at Google, explains how the company prioritizes the most commonly used varieties of each language, considering factors like dialects and online usage. This attention to detail results in a more accurate and comprehensive translation experience.
The addition of 110 languages to Google Translate aligns with the company’s initiative to support 1,000 languages through AI, a goal set in 2022. Earlier that year, Google introduced support for 24 languages spoken by over 300 million people, showcasing its ongoing commitment to linguistic diversity.
In contrast, Apple announced at WWDC that it is adding support for Hindi to its translation app, with just over 20 languages supported. Google’s extensive language support sets it apart as a leader in the field of AI-driven translation services.