Now, Google Translate already boasts an array of over 100 languages. But it doesn’t include them all by any stretch of the imagination. And many of the newest additions may be somewhat unexpected. Particularly since Google is working to add more region-specific languages. Helping more users in more locations — particularly those that are typically under-serviced — take a more active role in the use of technology for communication. In fact, Google says that as of this I/O addition more than 300 million users who were not represented in Google Translate before now will be. The total number of languages now supported by Google Translate has also been brought to 133.
What languages are being added to Google Translate with the update in question?
Among regional language groups being added to Google are a wealth of languages from Africa, for starters, such as Twi and Tsongae. Sepedi, Tigrinya, Oromo, Lingala, Luganda, Krio, Bambara, and Ewe are being added as well. Google is, of course, not solely focused on Africa with its expansion of Google Translate. Several languages from regions of India and Asia are being added as well. Such as Assamese, Bhojpuri, Dhivehi, Dogri, Konkani, Maithili, Meiteilon, and Mizo. While South America is represented in the latest update too. With native languages such as Aymara and others such as Guarani and Quechua added. Users in the Philippines will be happy to note the addition of Ilocano. While those in middle eastern countries can take advantage of the addition of Sanskrit and Sorani Kurdish.
What else is new with translations?
In addition to new languages, Google is changing the way it adds translations for apps to use. Specifically, these are the first languages added using Zero-Shot Machine Translation. Although those translations won’t be perfect, that means that the translations are added with only monolingual text. Namely, only using the native language, as opposed to using examples of the language already translated.
