- Google Translate now supports 110 additional languages, nearly doubling its previous count.
- The new languages were integrated using Google's PaLM 2 AI language model.
- Languages closely related, such as Hindi, Awadhi, and Marwadi, were easier to learn.
- Cantonese, a highly requested language, is now supported despite its complexity.
- About 25% of the new languages are African, each spoken by at least a million people.
Google has significantly expanded the capabilities of its Translate app by adding support for 110 new languages. Prior to this update, the app supported 113 languages, making this the most substantial upgrade to date.
AI-Powered Expansion
PaLM 2 AI Language Model
The integration of 110 new languages into Google Translate was made possible by the PaLM 2 AI language model. This advanced AI technology excelled in learning languages that are related to each other, such as Hindi, Awadhi, and Marwadi, as well as various French creoles like Seychellois Creole and Mauritian Creole.
Cantonese Support
One of the most notable additions is Cantonese, which has been a highly requested language over the years. Google acknowledged the challenge in incorporating Cantonese due to its overlap with Mandarin and the difficulty in sourcing data to train the AI model. However, the new update successfully includes Cantonese, enhancing the app’s usability for millions of speakers.
Focus on African Languages
The update also places a significant emphasis on African languages, with about 25% of the new additions belonging to this category. Each newly added language is spoken by at least a million people, with some being used by hundreds of millions globally. This expansion aims to improve accessibility and communication for diverse linguistic communities across the continent.
Conclusion
Google Translate’s latest update, powered by the PaLM 2 AI language model, nearly doubles the app’s language support, making it a more powerful tool for global communication. With the addition of 110 new languages, including highly requested ones like Cantonese and numerous African languages, the app continues to evolve to meet the needs of its users worldwide.
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