Google Translate will now understand more Indian languages, including Awadhi, Punjabi and Marwadi. Google says it used its AI model PaLM 2 for this “largest expansion ever” on the Translate app.
Google Translate uses AI for its largest expansion ever on Google Translate
In its “largest expansion ever”, Google has announced that Google Translate will soon be adding support for 110 new languages, including Awadhi, Punjabi and Marwadi. Google says it is using its AI model PaLM 2 for this large scale expansion on Google Translate. “From Cantonese to Qʼeqchiʼ, these new languages represent more than 614 million speakers, opening up translations for around 8 per cent of the world’s population,” says Google in a blog post. Until now, Google Translate had support for Hindi, Sanskrit, Assamese, Bhojpuri, Dogri, Konkani, Maithili, Mizo and Meiteilon (Manipuri).
Google says the PaLM 2 large language model has been crucial for Google Translate by aiding in the efficient learning of closely related languages, such as Awadhi and Marwadi, which are similar to Hindi, as well as French Creoles like Seychellois Creole and Mauritian Creole. The company says that as technology advances, it will add support for more language varieties and spelling conventions by partnering with expert linguists and native speakers.
Besides the Indian languages, the new ones added to Google Translate also include Afar, a tonal language from Djibouti, Eritrea, and Ethiopia, which received the highest number of community contributions. Cantonese, long requested due to its complexity and overlap with Mandarin, is now supported. Manx, the Celtic language of the Isle of Man, has been revived from near extinction. NKo, a standardised form of the West African Manding languages, also joins the list, with its unique alphabet developed in 1949. Additionally, Tok Pisin, an English-based creole from Papua New Guinea, is now available, making it easier for English speakers to understand.
While Google has continuously been adding support for new languages on Google Translate, with the help of AI this expansion is now possible at a much faster pace. AI models help them understand the nuances and program their applications much faster, as opposed to the same effort being put by human programmers. “Languages have an immense amount of variation: regional varieties, dialects, different spelling standards. In fact, many languages have no one standard form, so it’s impossible to pick a “right” variety,” the blog reads.
In addition to text translation, Google Translate’s features such as voice input, handwriting recognition, and offline translation make it a versatile tool for daily use. With these new languages, users can expect a more comprehensive and user-friendly experience, whether they are navigating new places, learning a new language, or simply trying to communicate more effectively in their own community.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the ability to communicate across languages is more important than ever. For Indian users, this means greater accessibility, enhanced cultural preservation, and improved communication in a linguistically diverse landscape.
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