Google Translate has just announced the addition of 110 new languages, marking its largest expansion yet. This development is made possible by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). According to Google software engineer Isaac Caswell, the PaLM 2 language model has been instrumental in helping Translate learn languages more efficiently, particularly those that are closely related to each other.
Some of the new languages that have been added to Google Translate include Awadhi, Marwadi, Seychellois Creole, Mauritian Creole, Afar, Cantonese, and Tamazight (Amazigh). These languages collectively represent over 614 million people, approximately 8% of the global population. Notably, a significant portion of these new languages come from Africa, making this expansion the largest in terms of African languages on Google Translate.
When a language has various regional varieties and dialects, Google’s language models create a hybrid version by combining different elements. The emphasis is placed on incorporating the most commonly used varieties of each language. For instance, Romani, a language with multiple dialects across Europe, is represented in Google Translate primarily as Southern Vlax Romani, while also including elements from other dialects like Northern Vlax and Balkan Romani.
In 2022, Google introduced 24 new languages to Translate through Zero-Shot Machine Translation, a method that enables machine learning models to translate into another language without prior examples. Additionally, Google launched the 1,000 Languages Initiative, which aims to develop AI models to support the 1,000 most spoken languages worldwide.
As technology progresses and Google collaborates with linguistic experts and native speakers, the platform is expected to support even more language varieties and spelling conventions in the future. Users can access Google Translate through the official website or the mobile apps available on Android and iOS devices.
Google is among several tech companies utilizing AI to enhance their services. The incorporation of AI into platforms like Gmail, Search, and Messages underscores Google’s commitment to leveraging technology for improved user experiences. Competitors such as Apple and Microsoft have also integrated AI into their products and services, with Apple recently unveiling a range of “Apple Intelligence” updates for the iPhone.
In conclusion, the expansion of Google Translate to include 110 new languages demonstrates the platform’s dedication to fostering linguistic diversity and accessibility for users worldwide. Through the integration of AI technologies, Google continues to innovate and enhance its language translation capabilities, setting a new standard for language support in the digital age.
