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 Ever since mobile phones and modern technology came, Urdu has been replaced by Roman, due to which the Urdu language is declining.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
What challenges does Kashif Masidia face in encouraging the use of traditional Urdu script over Roman Urdu among younger generations?
**Interview with Kashif Masidia: Promoting Urdu Through Google Crowdsource**
**Editor**: Today we have Kashif Masidia with us, a dedicated volunteer and mentor for Google Crowdsource, who is passionate about promoting the Urdu language and enriching its digital presence. Welcome, Kashif!
**Kashif Masidia**: Thank you for having me!
**Editor**: Let’s dive right in. Tell us about your role as a mentor in Google Crowdsource. What does that involve?
**Kashif Masidia**: As a mentor, I guide a community of volunteers who help improve Google’s capabilities in languages like Urdu, Pashto, and Sindhi. Currently, I’m one of only 21 mentors worldwide, which is quite an honor. My main task is to support and inspire others in our efforts to enrich these languages on digital platforms.
**Editor**: It’s fascinating to hear about the global network. You’ve mentioned that the trend of writing and reading Urdu is declining in Pakistan. Can you elaborate on that?
**Kashif Masidia**: Certainly. With the rise of mobile technology, many people have shifted from traditional Urdu script to Roman Urdu, which has led to a deterioration in the quality and quantity of Urdu writing. I feel that if we don’t actively encourage the use of our national language, it risks becoming less relevant.
**Editor**: What motivated you to take on this volunteer work and to promote Urdu specifically?
**Kashif Masidia**: My love for the Urdu language and my community inspires me. I believe it’s crucial to maintain our cultural identity, and I see this effort as a way to do that. Through Google Crowdsource, I aim to demonstrate to the world that Urdu is not just a dialect but a rich language worthy of being represented in technology.
**Editor**: You have a unique approach by using technology to promote a traditional language. How do you think this can impact future generations?
**Kashif Masidia**: By contributing to Google Crowdsource, we are ensuring that future generations have access to resources that support their learning and use of Urdu. The more comprehensive the digital presence of Urdu, the more feasible it becomes for young people to engage with it, thus preserving and promoting our language.
**Editor**: You mentioned an interesting incentive for volunteers—access to AI and machine learning courses. How does that benefit you and others involved?
**Kashif Masidia**: Yes, after reaching a certain level of contribution, volunteers can access free courses on AI and machine learning, complete with certifications. This not only provides valuable skills but also encourages more people to get involved, knowing they can grow their own capacities while helping their language.
**Editor**: That’s a great way to enhance skills while serving a bigger purpose. Before we conclude, what message would you like to share with our readers about preserving languages like Urdu?
**Kashif Masidia**: I urge everyone to actively engage with their language, whether by writing it, learning it, or contributing to its presence in technology. Supporting Urdu is not just about the language itself, but about preserving an integral part of our cultural identity. Together, we can ensure that Urdu flourishes in the digital age.
**Editor**: Thank you, Kashif, for your time and for the incredible work you’re doing to promote Urdu. We wish you continued success in your initiatives with Google Crowdsource.
**Kashif Masidia**: Thank you! It was a pleasure speaking with you.
