Google Translate adds 110 new languages ​​with AI

O Google translator, also known as Google Translate, has just been improved with its biggest update to date. Now it supports 110 additional languagesbringing the total number to 243. This jump was possible thanks to artificial intelligence (IA).

The company used the PaLM 2 language model to enable the Google Translator in the assimilation of these new languages. This innovation made it possible to include related languages, sharing roots or vocabularies.

From least to most talked about

The expansion includes languages ​​from small indigenous communities, some with very few native speakers and at risk of extinction. Google Translate appears as an ally in the preservation of these languages.

On the other hand, it also includes widely spoken languages, such as Cantonese, the second most widespread dialect in China after Mandarin. Cantonese was among the most requested languages ​​to be added to the Translator, according to reveals the company’s official announcement.

It is worth noting, however, that the expansion mainly covers African languages, representing a quarter of the total. Some of the African languages ​​now supported are: Fon, Kikongo, Luo, Ga, Swati, Venda and Wolof.

More languages ​​on the way

Adding languages ​​to Translate is complex. Google explains that regional variations, spelling patterns, and specific dialects make it difficult to define the “correct version” for inclusion.

Thus, the strategy has been to prioritize the most common variants of each language, as is the case with Romani and its multiple dialects in Europe.

With the help of AI, the company is committed to continually expanding the range of languages ​​supported by Google Translate, as stated:

As technology advances, and with continued collaboration from linguists and native speakers, we will support even more language varieties and spelling norms over time.

Looking forward to the day where we no longer need to learn a new language. I believe it will only be a matter of time, a few years, before our smartphones are able to perform simultaneous translation, at least for the most spoken and well-known languages.