Google Translate has made a significant expansion in its language support, adding 110 new languages to its platform. This development nearly doubles the previous number of languages that could be translated using Google Translate. The company utilized the PaLM 2 large language model to achieve this feat.
According to Google Senior Software Engineer Isaac Caswell, the newly added languages are spoken by over 614 million people, which accounts for approximately 8 percent of the global population. Notably, a quarter of the newly supported languages are from Africa, marking the largest expansion of African languages to date.
Google’s selection process for adding languages and determining which dialects to support is based on prioritizing the most commonly used varieties of each language. This approach acknowledges the vast variation within languages, including regional varieties, dialects, and different spelling standards. For instance, the model for Romani language closely resembles Southern Vlax Romani, a widely used variety online, while also incorporating elements from other dialects like Northern Vlax and Balkan Romani.
With this latest update, Google Translate now supports a total of 243 languages, marking just the initial phase of the company’s goal to ultimately accommodate 1,000 languages using AI technology. For a comprehensive list of the newly added languages, users can refer to a dedicated help page provided by Google.
In comparison, Apple Translate currently supports 21 languages, which includes separate options for US and UK English. Apple recently announced its intention to incorporate Hindi into its Translate app, highlighting the ongoing competition and differing strategies between Apple and Google in the realm of language translation tools.
Google’s ambitious initiative to enhance language support through AI demonstrates its commitment to bridging linguistic barriers and making information more accessible across diverse populations. As technology continues to advance, the potential for seamless communication and understanding among people from various linguistic backgrounds becomes increasingly promising. The expansion of language support in Google Translate not only reflects the company’s technical prowess but also its dedication to fostering global connections through innovative solutions.
