Google Translate will receive support for 110 new languages, the company announced. Previously supporting 133 languages, this latest update marks a major leap forward for the service, making it the largest update ever released by Google.
Enhancements through PaLM 2
The substantial update is driven by Google’s advanced PaLM 2 language model, which significantly aided in “learning” new languages. This model excelled particularly with languages closely related to each other. For instance, it successfully incorporated languages close to Hindi, such as Awadhi and Marwadi, as well as French creole languages like Seychelles Creole and Mauritian Creole.
New Language Additions
Among the newly supported languages is Cantonese, which has long been one of the most in-demand languages on the platform. Training the model for Cantonese was challenging due to its significant overlap with Mandarin writing. Additionally, a substantial portion of the new languages comes from Africa, addressing a significant demand for translation services in these regions. Most of the new languages are spoken by at least a million people, with some spoken by hundreds of millions, notes NIX Solutions.
We’ll keep you updated on further enhancements and additions to Google Translate as they happen.