Mountain View, California – Google Translate, a popular translation platform developed by Google, has undergone a significant expansion in the variety of languages it supports. Since its inception in 2006, Google Translate has steadily added new languages to its repertoire. However, the latest update marks the largest expansion in the platform’s history, with 110 new languages being added, bringing the total number of supported languages to an impressive 243.
One of the key factors enabling this expansion is Google’s PaLM 2 large language model. Through this technology, Google has been able to include languages such as Afar, Cantonese, Manx, NKo, Punjabi (Shahmukhi), Tamazight (Amazigh), and Tok Pisin in its translation capabilities. This move not only caters to major world languages with over 100 million speakers but also includes languages spoken by smaller communities and those undergoing revitalization efforts.
Approximately a quarter of the newly added languages are from Africa, including Fon, Kikongo, Luo, Ga, Swati, Venda, and Wolof. This expansion represents the most significant addition of African languages to Google Translate to date, further enhancing the platform’s accessibility and inclusivity.
In comparison to its competitors such as Apple Translate and Microsoft Translator, Google Translate now boasts the highest number of supported languages among the top three players. With 614 million speakers covered by the new languages and translations becoming available to around 8% of the world’s population, Google’s latest move cements its position as a leading player in the translation technology space.
The inclusion of a diverse range of languages in Google Translate underscores the company’s commitment to making information accessible to a global audience. By catering to a wide array of linguistic needs, Google is not only facilitating communication but also promoting cultural exchange and understanding on a global scale. This significant expansion of Google Translate is a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of digital technology and its potential to bridge linguistic barriers in an increasingly interconnected world.