Breaking Down Language Barriers: Google Translate Expands to 110 New Languages

In a groundbreaking move, Google has announced the largest-ever expansion of its Translate platform, adding 110 new languages made possible by advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models. This significant enhancement leverages Google’s PaLM 2 large language model (LLM) to extend translation capabilities to a broader global audience.

“From Cantonese to Q’eqchi’, these new languages represent more than 614 million speakers, opening up translations for around 8% of the world’s population.” - Isaac Caswell, senior software engineer for Google Translate

The expansion encompasses a wide range of languages, including several major world languages with over 100 million speakers, as well as languages spoken by smaller indigenous communities. Approximately a quarter of the newly added languages originate from Africa, marking Google’s most extensive inclusion of African languages to date.

African languages now represented on Google Translate

Among the notable inclusions are Cantonese, a highly requested language that posed challenges due to its overlap with Mandarin in written form, and Shahmukhi, a variant of Punjabi widely spoken in Pakistan. Afar, a tonal language spoken in parts of East Africa, was also added to the platform, thanks to community contributions and cultural importance.

Cantonese, a highly requested language, is now available on Google Translate

The integration of Manx, a Celtic language once nearing extinction, reflects a successful revitalization effort on the Isle of Man, where thousands of speakers now keep the language alive. Additionally, Tok Pisin, the creole language of Papua New Guinea, has been added to Google Translate, providing English speakers a unique opportunity to engage with its English-based structure.

Manx, a Celtic language, has been revitalized and added to Google Translate

Powered by the PaLM 2 LLM, these AI-driven translations mark a significant advancement in language accessibility and connectivity globally. Google aims to continue enhancing Translate’s capabilities to better serve diverse linguistic needs worldwide.

Google Translate’s expansion opens up new possibilities for global communication