In a significant stride towards linguistic inclusivity, Microsoft India recently unveiled an expansion of its Translator capabilities to encompass four additional Indian languages: Bhojpuri, Bodo, Dogri, and Kashmiri. This latest development brings the total count to 20 supported Indian languages, edging closer to covering all 22 officially recognized languages in the country. Notably, this expansion caters to the linguistic needs of nearly 95% of India’s diverse population.
The inclusion of Kashmiri, a language spoken by around 7 million people in Jammu and Kashmir and parts of neighboring Pakistan, stands out as a noteworthy achievement. This move is anticipated to have a profound impact on preserving indigenous knowledge, fostering cultural identity, and bridging the linguistic gap to the mainstream. Microsoft’s commitment to linguistic diversity extends beyond mere technological advancement, aiming to facilitate better education, governance, communication, and economic opportunities for local communities.
Saidullah Butt, a local of Doda district, while speaking to The Chenab Times, says, “This is a watershed moment for the Kashmiri language. It grants our community a voice on the global stage and empowers us to participate actively in the digital world.”
This strategic move by Microsoft not only contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage but also holds immense potential for economic empowerment. The Translator’s reach will enable local artisans and businesses to connect with a broader audience, transcending language barriers. The collaborative efforts with companies like Jio Haptik and Koo underscore the transformative role technology plays in democratizing access to information across diverse linguistic landscapes.
Swapan Rajdev, Co-founder & CTO of Jio Haptik, emphasized the significance of multilingual support for Indian languages, praising Azure’s commitment to expanding offerings in Indic languages. Similarly, Harsh Singhal, Head of Machine Learning at Koo, highlighted the critical role translation plays in breaking language barriers and fostering the growth of digital communities, according to Microsoft announcement on their official blog.
Rajiv Kumar, managing director of Microsoft India, expressed the company’s dedication to creating inclusive solutions. Using Deep Neural Networks, Microsoft has been able to address the intricacies of complex Indian languages, including nuances such as gender, politeness level, and word type. This approach ensures that the translation models continually evolve to meet the growing linguistic diversity and demands.
While media in Kashmir celebrated this news on December 26, it is crucial to note that the official announcement dates back to October 5. Reporting accurate timelines is essential for readers to discern factual information from potential misinformation. In celebrating this milestone, the focus remains on the positive impact of Microsoft’s language expansion, particularly the inclusion of Kashmiri, on India’s cultural tapestry and technological accessibility.
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Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times
