Google Translate is set for a significant update as the tech giant announces the addition of 110 new languages to its platform. This expansion, utilizing the advanced PaLM 2 large language model, aims to break down communication barriers globally.
This latest update brings translation support to more than half a billion people. Among the new languages are Cantonese, NKo, and Tamazight, addressing a broad spectrum of users across various continents and communities. Languages such as Tok Pisin and Punjabi (Shahmukhi) are also included, reflecting the diverse linguistic needs of users.
The decision to add these languages was based on several factors, including community demand and linguistic preservation. For instance, Afar, spoken in Djibouti, Eritrea, and Ethiopia, received numerous volunteer community contributions. Manx, the Celtic language of the Isle of Man, almost went extinct but has seen a revival that warranted its inclusion. Additionally, NKo unifies many dialects in West Africa and is actively developed by a research community.
Google’s strategy in choosing language varieties prioritizes the most commonly used forms. The company noted the challenge posed by languages with significant regional dialects and no single standard form. The PaLM 2 model has played a crucial role in making this massive linguistic addition possible, enabling more accurate translations even for languages with limited data.
Google’s commitment to expanding its linguistic capabilities is further underscored by the previously announced 1,000 Languages Initiative. This initiative aims to support the world’s most spoken languages using AI technology. The 2022 addition of 24 new languages demonstrated the potential of Zero-Shot Machine Translation, a method where a machine learning model translates into another language without ever seeing an example.
This comprehensive update not only enhances accessibility but also promotes the preservation of lesser-known languages and dialects. Google continues to partner with expert linguists and native speakers to ensure quality and reliability in its translations.
To learn more about these newly supported languages, visit the Help Center. Start translating today on the Google Translate app, available on Android and iOS, or use the service directly on translate.google.com.
You can read the original article here: [https://blog.google/products/translate/google-translate-new-languages-2024/](https://blog.google/products/translate/google-translate-new-languages-2024/)
