On Thursday, Google Translate received a major update and now supports 110 additional languages. New languages are added using artificial intelligence (AI). The tech company used its own Palm 2 Large Language Model (LLM) and found it particularly useful when learning languages that are related or occur in a regional dialect of a language. Among the new additions, Google Translate has been expanded to include the Indian regional languages Awadhi and Marwari.
Google Translate adds 110 new languages
The company said in a blog post that this is the biggest expansion of Google Translate ever. The translation tool currently supports a total of 133 languages. After the expansion, their number rose to 243 languages. In November 2022, Google announced the 1000 languages initiative. With this initiative, the company aims to develop artificial intelligence models that support the 1,000 languages spoken worldwide. 110 new languages are part of this effort.
When selecting new languages, Google prioritized the most frequently used categories in each language. As an example, considering the Romani language, which has many dialects across Europe, the AI model chose the Southern Vlax-Romani language, which is widely used on the Internet. The choice was also determined by the availability of text on which to train the AI model.
Below are some notable new additions. Cantonese was added over time. According to Google, it is one of the most popular languages for Google Translate. Voices spoken in Afar, Djibouti, Eritrea and Ethiopia were also added after the company identified voluntary community contributions. Remarkably, a quarter of all new languages came from Africa.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
