Google has recently announced a significant expansion of its Google Translate feature, leveraging artificial intelligence to add support for an impressive 110 languages. This development marks the largest expansion to date for Google Translate, covering up to one-tenth of the world’s population.
The addition of these new languages is made possible by Google’s PaLM 2 large-scale language model, which also powers other Google products like Bard and Gemini. The last time Google introduced a new language to its translation tool was in 2022, adding 24 languages at that time and bringing the total count to 133.
With this latest update, Google Translate now supports a total of 243 languages. This expansion aligns with Google’s commitment to integrating 1,000 of the most commonly spoken languages into its translation service using AI models. While there isn’t a specific timeline mentioned for reaching this goal, Google has introduced over 140 new languages within the past two years, showcasing progress.
The newly added languages encompass over 614 million speakers globally. Among the notable inclusions are Cantonese, a form of Chinese primarily spoken in southeastern China, and Punjabi, a widely spoken language among Pakistanis. Google has also incorporated lesser-known regional languages such as Manx and Tok Pisin, demonstrating inclusivity.
User requests and voluntary contributions have played a significant role in the selection of these new languages. For instance, Afar and Cantonese were highly requested additions. These enhancements are not only beneficial for individuals seeking to connect with others worldwide but also for those who rely on live translations for travel purposes.
As Google continues to expand its language support and advance its AI capabilities, the ability to communicate effectively across diverse linguistic landscapes becomes more accessible. By embracing a wide range of languages, Google Translate seeks to bridge communication gaps and foster greater understanding among global communities.
