Alexa AI’s machine translation controls for formality, ranks first place
As with other context-dependent forms of language, such as slang, formality can be difficult for MT systems to get just right, especially since languages express formality quite differently.
Study assesses machine translation for marketing purposes
A new study from Weglot and Nimdzi Insights suggests that machine translation (MT) is more accurate than some people might expect.
IIT Madras launches institute for AI and language technology
The institute aims to advance the development of language technology specializing in the local languages spoken throughout India, which have historically received less attention in artificial intelligence (AI) and language technology development than other languages like English or Chinese.
Following outcry, Google Translate removes offensive example phrase for Arabic entry
While brushing up on some Arabic vocabulary, one user pointed out that Google Translate’s entry for the Arabic word “تخطط” meaning “plan” was accompanied by an example phrase that means “planning to blow up the car.”
Interpreters Unlimited offers Uber-like app to book USA interpreters
Interpreters Unlimited (IU) has developed and released IU Customer App, a proprietary program that allows professionals and businesses to book foreign language interpreters and American Sign Language interpreters in-person, over the phone, or via remote video.
TikTok begins rolling out translation, updated transcription feature
TikTok is currently offering translations between nine languages: English, Mandarin, Turkish, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, German, Korean, and Indonesian.
BigScience launches open-source LLM, BLOOM
In developing BLOOM, the BigScience team set out to create an LLM that’s more accessible than any other major model to date. Unlike other LLMs, BLOOM is available to pretty much any individual or institution.
EasyTyping.net launches to facilitate transliteration
A new translation and transliteration tool with a particular emphasis on Southeast Asian languages allows users to easily write in non-Latin scripts without the use of a different keyboard or settings.
ENCO acquires TranslateTV to improve efficiency of Spanish closed captioning
By acquiring TTV, ENCO’s leadership believes the company will be better suited to serve Spanish-speaking audiences by providing real-time translations of captions for English programming.