Discover Endangered Languages with Google’s Revamped AI Tool, Woolaroo
Google has relaunched its innovative AI application, Woolaroo, an interactive platform designed to promote the learning of endangered indigenous languages. This new iteration now encompasses 30 endangered languages, enabling users to connect with diverse communities across the globe while leveraging the power of Google’s advanced Gemini technology for enhanced contextual understanding.
From Experiment to Essential Tool
Initially introduced as an experimental project by Google Arts & Culture in 2021, Woolaroo supported just ten endangered languages. With this latest update, Google has expanded its offerings significantly, adding ten new languages primarily from Africa, as well as several from Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, and Scotland.
A Rich Tapestry of Languages
Among the newly included languages are lesser-known options like Ibibio, which is spoken by the Ibibio-Efik communities in southern Nigeria. Additionally, Scottish Gaelic, prevalent in the Scottish Highlands, and Potawatomi, utilized by the native Potawatomi tribe across the United States and Canada, showcase the tool’s global reach and diversity.
Google emphasizes the importance of this endeavor, noting that approximately 3, 000 (about 40%) of the 7, 000 languages spoken worldwide are endangered. The purpose of Woolaroo is to “highlight the crucial work of cultural communities and researchers dedicated to preserving languages around the world, ”as explained in a recent blog post.
Interactive Language Learning Experience
You can easily access Woolaroo via your mobile web browser or through the Google Arts & Culture app. By simply pointing your phone’s camera at various objects around you, the tool allows you to discover their names in one of the endangered languages. It is also compatible with images saved locally on your device and can be used on desktop computers.
Upon clicking an image, Woolaroo intelligently identifies multiple objects in the photo and presents translations based on your selected language. The interactive experience includes a speaker button, enabling users to hear the pronunciation of each word. Furthermore, users can even upload selfies to learn the names of facial features such as forehead, smile, and eyebrows.
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Woolaroo integrates sophisticated tools like Gemini, Google Translate, and Cloud Vision to effectively identify objects and generate example sentences. Importantly, the translation data is derived from linguistic researchers and cultural collaborators, ensuring accuracy and authenticity.
Collaborative Efforts for Cultural Preservation
Google has partnered with various organizations on this project, notably UNESCO, which has designated the decade from 2022 to 2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages. This collaboration underscores the urgent need for preserving linguistic heritage globally.
Woolaroo stands as a unique bridge between modern technology and the preservation of cultural identity—inviting users to embark on a journey that enriches their understanding and appreciation of endangered languages.
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