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Twenty years ago, Google Translate was launched to help people understand each other no matter what language they speak. Over the years, the tech giant has been working to improve this service, and so what was once a small experiment has turned into a tool used by millions of people around the world every day.
It helps you communicate while traveling and learn new languages for career development. And on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the service, Google has prepared 20 interesting facts about Translate.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Google Translate will have a pronunciation training tool
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the service, Google is launching a feature that users have been waiting for – pronunciation practice in the Translate app for Android. The service will not only offer additional context or translation options, but also help you hone your pronunciation. The new pronunciation practice tool uses AI to analyze speech and provide instant feedback. It allows you to master your pronunciation before starting a real-life conversation. The feature is currently available in the US and India and is available for English, Spanish, and Hindi.
AI and machine learning have been at the heart of Translate from day one
Translate was one of the first experiments by Google Research that kick-started the development of machine learning in the company. Back in 2006, the service was based on “statistical machine learning,” and the key to creating natural translations was Google’s research into developing large-scale and accurate language models. They analyzed trillions of words to determine how often certain expressions and short phrases were used. 10 years later, the tech giant made a revolutionary switch to neural networks. The company proved that deep learning is effective on a global scale and can be beneficial. Today, Google uses AI, the most powerful Gemini models, and new generations of TPU processors.
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Accessibility for 95% of the world’s population
Today, Translate supports nearly 250 languages, including indigenous and endangered languages. This allows more voices to be heard. Ukrainian language was added to Translate in September 2008, and in July 2019, instant translation using the camera became available in Ukrainian.
More than a billion people turn to Google for translation help every month
Translation is no longer a separate activity, but an integral part of how we discover the web, browse the news, and learn about the world.
People translate about 1 trillion words every month
The company says that so much text passes through Translate, Search, and Lens every month that it would be enough to be read aloud continuously for the next 12,000 years.
Headphones can become a personal translator
Thanks to real-time translation functions, Translate can work as a personal assistant in your headphones. The technology leaves the original tone and pace of the interlocutor’s speech unchanged. This feature will become indispensable when traveling: it will help you understand the locals or hear every word during a tour.
Live communication without barriers with Gemini
The latest Gemini models have allowed Google Translate to move from simply translating words to real-time conversations. The technology understands context and picks up on different shades of meaning, so you can communicate naturally and easily.
Every third conversation with Google Translate lasts more than 5 minutes
People have started using AI more often for long and important conversations, from interviews or communication with foreigners to heartfelt online chats with relatives abroad.
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Understand world events without language boundaries
Thanks to Translate, everyone can read news from different countries and stay in a global context. Real-time translation can be used to understand the lyrics of songs during world shows, listen to Western talk shows, or watch live speeches by opinion leaders.
AI helps to understand slang
Gemini’s integration with Translate allows the service to go beyond the literal meaning of words and phrases. Thanks to this, the service can recognize complex idioms, local slang constructions, or cultural context. This makes translation lively and modern.
Google Translate is used to learn languages
Every third user of the mobile app uses Translate not only as a dictionary but also for learning. For this purpose, Google has launched a special section with AI-based exercises where you can set individual goals and track your daily progress (this feature is not yet available in all languages and is only available for the following countries).
Users are more confident in communication thanks to AI
Thanks to AI, users have new opportunities to improve their speaking and listening skills. According to Google, half of active language learners turn to interactive scenarios to help them gain confidence in real-life situations (this feature is supported in the following countries).
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Google Translate is available offline
Google offers to download language packs for offline work on Android and iOS, as translation may be needed even when there is no network signal, for example, when walking on mountain trails or traveling in a new country. By the way, here’s an interesting statistic: the most commonly downloaded languages for offline work in the world are English, Arabic, Spanish, French, Japanese, German, Hindi, Chinese, and Italian.
Visual translation helps when traveling
Google Lens has become an extremely useful tool for navigating new places. It uses a camera and overlays translations directly on menus or road signs so that users can be sure of what they can order and in which direction they are heading.
Popularity of Circle to Search for Android translation
Translation has become one of the most popular features of the Circle to Search tool on Android. It is constantly used to find out the composition of Korean cosmetics or finally understand what a trending video is singing about.
Unexpected leaders among language pairs
English and Spanish are traditionally the leaders, but recently, translations from English into Indonesian, Portuguese, Arabic, and Turkish, as well as Indian languages (Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam) have been in high demand. This demonstrates the rapid growth in the intensity of communications around the world.
AI helps parents understand teenagers’ slang
Google has noticed an interesting trend: people are turning to AI mode in Search more often to understand the slang of Generation Alpha. Queries such as “what is clocking it, maxxing, or mogging” are gaining popularity on Google Trends.
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Translation into emoji language
Will emojis become the new language of the world? This is a debatable question, but in any case, Google sees that users are increasingly asking AI to “translate” plain text into emoji combinations to better convey mood and vibes.
Increased interest in American Sign Language
Today, people are increasingly looking for ways to translate into American Sign Language (ASL). Google notes that users regularly turn to AI mode in Search to get accurate ASL translations. According to Google Trends, interest in sign language translation has reached a historic high over the past five years. Society is striving to better understand the nuances of ASL and its deep cultural significance.
The most important words are about gratitude and love
Technologies change, but some important words remain the same. For 20 years, the most popular word in Translate has been “Thank you.” Also in the top this week: “How are you?”, “I love you”, “Hello”, and “You’re welcome”.
Google Translate has come a long and interesting way, but it also continues to bring people together and is always there for you when you need to practice your pronunciation, translate a restaurant menu, or chat.
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