According to reports, Google has announced that Google Translate will soon be adding support for 110 new languages, including Awadhi, Punjabi, and Marwadi. Google says it is using its AI model PaLM 2 for this large scale expansion on Google Translate.

From Cantonese to Qʼeqchiʼ, these new languages represent more than 614 million speakers, opening up translations for around 8 percent of the world’s population Until now, Google Translate had support for Hindi, Sanskrit, Assamese, Bhojpuri, Dogri, Konkani, Maithili, Mizo, and Meiteilon.

Besides the Indian languages, the new ones added to Google Translate also include Afar, a tonal language from Djibouti, Eritrea, and Ethiopia, which received the highest number of community contributions.

Cantonese, long requested due to its complexity and overlap with Mandarin, is now supported. Manx, the Celtic language of the Isle of Man, has been revived from near extinction. NKo, a standardized form of the West African Manding languages, also joins the list, with its unique alphabet developed in 1949. Additionally, Tok Pisin, an English-based creole from Papua New Guinea, is now available, making it easier for English speakers to understand.

Google is continually adding support for new languages with Google Translate, but with the help of AI, this expansion is now possible at a much faster pace. AI models help us understand the nuances and program our applications much faster, as opposed to human programmers making the same effort.

The language has a huge amount of variations, including regional varieties, dialects, and different spelling standards. Many languages do not have a standard format, so it is impossible to choose the ‘right’ variety," the blog reads.

Features of Google Translate, such as voice input, handwriting recognition, and offline translation, make it a versatile tool for daily use. With these new languages, users can expect a more comprehensive and user-friendly experience, whether they're navigating a new place, learning a new language, or simply trying to communicate more effectively in their community.