Teaching AI to translate 100s of spoken and written languages in real time

Introduction

Across the globe, there are thousands of languages, which makes translation an essential component for inclusion. However, the translation technologies available today primarily cater to widely spoken languages. In fact, more than 20% of the world's population lacks access to commercial translation technology.

At Meta AI, we are developing an advanced AI translation system aimed at the 4 billion people who communicate in less prevalent languages online. This new AI model is designed to learn from languages with limited examples available for training, thus enabling translations of any text or speech, regardless of the language.

The challenge of providing translations across multiple languages, including those that are mainly spoken rather than written, is significant. This endeavor requires innovative thinking, extensive testing, and the capacity to scale globally.

Consider a marketplace in Kenya where vendors, artists, and customers can negotiate seamlessly in any of the numerous languages spoken there. Envision an entrepreneur in China accessing the same lectures that circulate in leading technology hubs, regardless of the original language.

Looking ahead, imagine augmented reality (AR) glasses that provide instant translations for an engineer communicating with local residents in rural India, accommodating the various languages spoken in those regions.

Ultimately, our vision is a world where translations—both written and spoken—encompass everyone. At Meta AI, we are collaborating with partners who specialize in speech and audio technologies to help realize these advancements in translation. Together, we are progressing toward that inclusive future, where language barriers no longer exist.

Keywords

• AI Translation
• Inclusion
• Spoken Languages
• Written Languages
• Meta AI
• Global Communication
• Speech Technology
• Accessibility

FAQ

1. What is the aim of Meta AI's new translation system?
Meta AI aims to create a translation system that can handle languages that are often underserved by current technologies, thus serving a significant portion of the world's population.

2. Why is translation technology important?
Translation technology is essential for inclusion, ensuring that people from diverse linguistic backgrounds can communicate effectively.

3. How does the new AI model learn to translate languages with few resources?
The AI model is designed to learn from languages that have limited training examples, allowing it to generate translations even with scarce data.

4. What kind of languages does the new translation system target?
The translation system focuses on both spoken languages and languages that are primarily oral, which are often overlooked in conventional translation technologies.

5. What are some future applications of this translation technology?
Future applications may include real-time translation through AR glasses for engineers in rural areas, facilitating communication in various local dialects.