Google’s AI-Powered Language Expansion Boosts Online Access For Millions Of Africans

Google has added 15 African languages to its Voice Search, Gboard’s talk-to-type, and Translate dictation, bringing online access to around 300 million more Africans. 

The newly supported languages include Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Nigerian Pidgin, Chichewa, Kikuyu, Oromo, Rundi, Shona, Somali, Tigrinya, and Twi, allowing more people to interact with Google services in their native languages.

More Languages on Voice and Gboard

With this update, Google Voice Search and Gboard talk-to-type now support 12 more African languages, raising the total to 25. 

Google Translate has also added voice input for 13 African languages, expanding its total to 22. 

This change lets users communicate online, search, and type in languages they are most comfortable with, promoting a more inclusive internet experience.

AI Advances Support Language Expansion

Google’s updates rely on its progress in artificial intelligence, especially in multilingual speech recognition, which converts spoken words into text. 

By training its AI on multiple languages, Google is able to make accurate transcriptions across diverse African dialects.

Google’s Investment in Digital Skills

Alongside this update, Google.org announced a $5.8 million investment in AI and cybersecurity training programs across Sub-Saharan Africa. 

This funding will help provide digital skills training to students, nonprofit leaders, and at-risk workers. 

For example, Nigeria’s Data Scientists Network Foundation will use part of this funding to teach digital skills to unemployed youth.

This recent update follows Google’s past $20 million support for digital skills training in Africa, aiming to boost digital participation and skills as the continent’s internet access grows.

Feature Image Credit: Gadget