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 Ever since mobile phones and modern technology came, Urdu has been replaced by Roman, due to which the Urdu language is declining.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
**Interview with Kashif Masidia: Promoting Urdu through Google Crowdsource**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Kashif. To start off, can you tell us a little about your role in Google Crowdsource and what inspired you to become a mentor?
**Kashif Masidia:** Thank you for having me! I’m proud to be one of the 21 mentors for Google Crowdsource worldwide. My journey began from a genuine concern about the declining usage of the Urdu language in Pakistan, especially with the rise of mobile technology where Roman Urdu has become more prevalent. It’s crucial for us to keep our national language alive. I wanted to contribute, and being part of Crowdsource allows me to do that effectively.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the decline of Urdu writing and reading habits. Could you elaborate on what you see as the main challenges?
**Kashif Masidia:** Certainly. The primary issue is that modern technology has changed how we communicate. With smartphones, many people have opted to use Roman script because it’s easier and more accessible for typing. This shift has led to a decrease in the use of traditional Urdu. I feel a strong responsibility to promote the Urdu language through technology, ensuring it doesn’t just become a dialect but flourishes as a means of expression.
**Interviewer:** That’s a commendable mission. How does Google Crowdsource help in this effort?
**Kashif Masidia:** Google Crowdsource is a platform where volunteers contribute data to help improve Google products, especially in local languages like Urdu, Pashto, and Sindhi. Through this platform, I provide Urdu content and feedback to Google, assisting in enhancing their understanding and implementation of the language in their products. This not only helps keep Urdu relevant but also raises awareness about its importance globally.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that you are volunteering and not officially employed by Google. What motivates you to invest your time and effort into this project?
**Kashif Masidia:** My motivation comes from a deep love for my language and community. I believe in the power of education and language to connect people. Volunteering means I can make a positive impact in preserving Urdu for future generations. An additional perk is that as I contribute, I gain access to various free courses in AI and machine learning offered by Google, which I believe enhances my skills further.
**Interviewer:** That sounds like a great opportunity! Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of the Urdu language in the context of technology?
**Kashif Masidia:** I hope to see Urdu regain prominence in digital spaces. It’s vital that educational tools and platforms incorporate Urdu, making it accessible for the younger generation. My ultimate goal is to inspire others to participate in this initiative, creating a vibrant community that supports and elevates the Urdu language within the digital world.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Kashif, for sharing your insights and passion for promoting Urdu. Your work is inspiring and essential for the cultural heritage of Pakistan.
**Kashif Masidia:** Thank you! It was my pleasure to share. Let’s continue to advocate for our languages and communities.
