The search engine Google has been providing the facilities of writing and reading in dozens of languages to millions of people in the world for many years, but the citizens of Karachi are not only ‘teaching’ Google Urdu, Pashto and Sindhi, but also ‘improving’ Google in these languages. are also doing
Kashif and Rizwan from Karachi are volunteering to promote Urdu at Google.
In a conversation with Independent Urdu, Google volunteer Kashif Masidia said that ‘I am the mentor of Google Crowdsource. There are about 21 mentors in the world, of which I am one.
Kashif says that the trend of writing and reading Urdu has decreased in Pakistan. Ever since mobile phones and modern technology came, Urdu has been replaced by Roman, due to which the Urdu language is declining.
‘To protect my national language, I am learning Urdu from Google. An application is crowd-sourced because I don’t want Urdu to remain just a dialect.’
Content creator Kashif Masidia says, ‘When computer came in Pakistan, Urdu keyboard was also used, which is not seen anywhere now. I provide Urdu content to Google through Google Crowdsource so that the world knows that the national language of Pakistan is Urdu.
According to him, he is not a direct employee of Google but is working as a volunteer ‘for the love of his language and for the love of his community’.
He says that all of this gives him the advantage that after a certain level by providing data to Google crowdsource, there is an offer that ‘you can learn the various AI and machine learning courses we have for free. can Not only will you learn it, but you’ll get a certification for it, and that’s what we pay for.’
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Up to 60% Google gives the correct translation of Urdu, because more and more content is being framed in Urdu on Google compared to the past, but the need is that every Pakistani, every Urdu speaker comes to Google Crowdsource and translates Urdu. Play your role for promotion because everyone has their own style of writing, thus, countless Urdu content will be collected on Google.’
They also said that they provide data to Google for Urdu as well as Pashto and Sindhi. “Sindhi speakers give more data for the development of Sindhi language, that’s why Sindhi translation is better than Urdu.”
Volunteer Rizwan Shah told Independent Urdu that regarding Google Translation, ‘We provide information to Google through crowd source. Crowdsource is an app that can be downloaded from the Play Store.’
He said that through this app, those students who want to read information or any English literature, we can help them in translation. Also, if you write Urdu in writing, take a picture and upload it, Google will recognize it.
‘A book written in any language through Google Lens is easily translated into Urdu, Sindhi and Pashto.’
#Citizens #Karachi #teach #Urdu #Google
How does Kashif Masidia’s role as a mentor at Google Crowdsource contribute to the preservation and promotion of the Urdu language?
**Interview with Kashif Masidia: A Google Volunteer Promoting Urdu**
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Kashif, for joining us today. It’s inspiring to see local volunteers like you contributing to global platforms like Google. Can you tell us about your role at Google Crowdsource?
**Kashif Masidia:** Thank you for having me! As a mentor at Google Crowdsource, I collaborate with a global team to improve language resources, specifically for Urdu, Pashto, and Sindhi. There are about 21 mentors globally, and I’m proud to be one of them.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that the trend of writing and reading Urdu has declined in Pakistan. What do you think led to this shift?
**Kashif Masidia:** The introduction of mobile technology has significantly impacted how people communicate. Many now prefer Roman Urdu, which is easier to type on smartphones but does contribute to the decline of our script. It’s disheartening to see our rich literary heritage being overshadowed.
**Interviewer:** What motivates you to volunteer for this cause?
**Kashif Masidia:** My primary motivation is the love for my language and my community. I firmly believe it is essential to protect Urdu from becoming merely a dialect. Through Google Crowdsource, I produce content that showcases Urdu’s cultural value, ensuring that it remains vibrant and recognized globally.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like you are not just helping preserve Urdu, but you’re also providing a platform for it to thrive. What benefits do you gain from this volunteering work?
**Kashif Masidia:** While I’m not a paid employee, volunteering has its perks. By providing data and engaging with the platform, I’ve gained access to free AI and machine learning courses from Google. These resources not only enhance my skills but also offer certifications that would usually involve a financial investment.
**Interviewer:** That’s fantastic! It seems like a win-win situation. What do you hope to achieve through your efforts with Google?
**Kashif Masidia:** I hope to raise awareness about the importance of Urdu and contribute to its global representation. My aim is to inspire others in Pakistan to take pride in their language and actively participate in its preservation. It’s crucial for future generations to see Urdu as a valuable and vital part of our identity.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Kashif, for sharing your insights and experiences. Your dedication to promoting Urdu is commendable, and we wish you all the best in your endeavors!
**Kashif Masidia:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to share my thoughts. Let’s continue to champion our languages together!