Microsoft has expanded its Translator service to include two more Indian languages, Chhattisgarhi and Manipuri, bringing its total support to 20. This move aims to better understand India’s diverse linguistic landscape, covering over 95% of the country’s population.
Embracing India’s Diverse Linguistic Heritage
Microsoft’s inclusion of Chhattisgarhi and Manipuri is not just a technological update; it’s a leap towards promoting linguistic diversity and cultural inclusion. In India, a country with a myriad of languages and dialects, such an enhancement holds immense significance. The Translator already supports widely spoken languages like Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and Urdu. Now, by adding Chhattisgarhi, spoken by around 16 million people across Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, and Manipuri, used by about three million people mainly in Manipur, as well as in parts of Assam, Tripura, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, Microsoft is making great strides in connecting diverse communities.
Bridging Communication Gaps in Local Communities
The impact of this expansion on local communities is profound. For the millions of Chhattisgarhi and Manipuri speakers, this update means easier access to global information and seamless integration into the digital world. It bridges communication gaps and opens up new opportunities for interaction, education, and commerce.
Microsoft’s Vision for an Inclusive Digital India
Rajiv Kumar, the Managing Director of Microsoft India, articulates this vision clearly. “We strive to make a profound impact through our products, leveraging advanced AI technologies that foster social inclusion and collaboration without barriers, contributing to India’s inclusive economic growth,” he says. This commitment from Microsoft aligns perfectly with the broader objective of creating a more inclusive digital India, where language is no longer a barrier to accessing technology.
The Power of AI in Translation
At the heart of Microsoft Translator lies the power of advanced AI technologies, particularly deep neural networks. These sophisticated systems are designed to offer natural-sounding translations, significantly enhancing the user experience. By tapping into these cutting-edge technologies, Microsoft ensures that translations are not just accurate but also resonate with the local linguistic nuances.
Expanding Beyond Translation: Microsoft Teams Update
In a related development, Microsoft is also enhancing its popular collaboration tool, Microsoft Teams. The new update, available in the Microsoft Teams Public Preview, introduces tools that allow users to manage audio and video settings quickly and efficiently during meetings. This update is part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to improve user experience and productivity in virtual collaborations.
