Microsoft Translator To Support 20 Indian Languages: Adds Bodo, Bhojpuri, Dogri, Kashmiri
The addition of four new languages—Bhojpuri, Bodo, Dogri, and Kashmiri—to Microsoft Translator was announced by Microsoft India with the aim of improving coverage of all major Indian languages. With this latest update, twenty Indian languages are now supported by Microsoft Translator. This advances Microsoft Translator's objective of supporting all 22 recognised Indian languages one step closer and expands its language coverage to over 95 per cent of the population.
The Power Duo of Education & Governance
This advancement in technology is a socio-cultural milestone impacting around 61 million people. This can be a significant step in making democratic empowerment of languages bridging the linguistic divide, as stated in the conference.
By offering these translation services in these native languages, Microsoft aims to:
Rajiv Kumar, Managing Director of Microsoft India's India Development Centre, remarked,” “We are dedicated to creating solutions that enable accessibility and broaden the reach of technology and language as a medium to empower every individual on the planet”. He further highlighted the importance of leveraging AI technology and making access to technology more inclusive to drive the country’s growth.
Fostering Business & Growth
Access to the translation functionality is available through the Microsoft Translator app, Edge browser, Office 365, Bing Translator, and the Azure AI Translator API for businesses and developers, which is utilised by organisations like Jio Haptik and Koo. Microsoft Azure has successfully completed millions of translations across 60 languages, including 10 Indian languages, opening the door for developing digital communities.
Microsoft uses Deep Neural Networks to develop language models for translating and transliterating complex Indian languages. Deep neural networks are also sensitive to minor linguistic nuances such as gender, politeness level, and word types. It claims to improve the translation models in line with tech advancements and usage and releases newer, improved versions in a transparent manner.
Threads to Conserve Tradition
The expansion's most significant contribution to preserving indigenous knowledge and cultural identity is closing the gap with mainstream society. By making these languages accessible to a larger audience, Microsoft will bring digital transformation without losing our cultural diversity, as pointed out at the conference.
