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 Ever since mobile phones and modern technology came, Urdu has been replaced by Roman, due to which the Urdu language is declining.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 steps can individuals take to support and promote the Urdu language in the digital age?
**Interview with Kashif Masidia: A Champion for Urdu on Google**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Kashif. Your work with Google Crowdsource is quite inspiring. Can you share a bit about what motivated you to volunteer in promoting the Urdu language?
**Kashif Masidia:** Thank you for having me! My primary motivation comes from a deep love for my language and culture. I have noticed a decrease in the trend of reading and writing in Urdu, especially with the rise of technology where many are opting for Roman Urdu instead. I believe that without active efforts to promote and preserve Urdu, it risks becoming a mere dialect. I want to ensure that Urdu remains a vibrant and respected language.
**Interviewer:** That’s very insightful. You mentioned that you’re a mentor with Google Crowdsource. What does that entail, and how many mentors are there globally?
**Kashif Masidia:** Yes, I serve as one of about 21 mentors worldwide for Google Crowdsource. My role involves guiding and educating others on how to contribute to improving Google’s support for Urdu, Pashto, and Sindhi. We work together to provide quality content that helps make these languages more accessible on digital platforms.
**Interviewer:** You’ve pointed out the challenges faced by the Urdu language in modern contexts. Can you elaborate on the impact of technology on language usage in Pakistan?
**Kashif Masidia:** Certainly. With the advent of mobile phones and social media, I’ve observed a shift where many young people prefer using Roman Urdu, which can dilute the richness and structure of the language. When computer technology first arrived in Pakistan, we had Urdu-specific keyboards, which have now become rare. This decline in traditional Urdu usage makes my work even more critical, as I strive to encourage others to embrace the language fully.
**Interviewer:** It’s heartening to see your commitment. You mentioned learning opportunities through your volunteer work. Can you tell us more about that?
**Kashif Masidia:** Yes! As a contributor to Google Crowdsource, once you reach a certain level of engagement, you’re given access to free AI and machine learning courses. These courses are invaluable not only for personal growth but also for enhancing the contributions I can make to Google. It’s a win-win situation that helps me gain skills while promoting our culture.
**Interviewer:** That’s a fantastic initiative! Lastly, how can others get involved in similar efforts to support their local languages?
**Kashif Masidia:** Anyone can start contributing by joining platforms like Google Crowdsource. It’s a simple way to provide valuable input while gaining recognition for your efforts. Additionally, sharing content, creating educational resources, and simply using the language in digital spaces can go a long way in promoting it. Every little bit helps in keeping our languages alive.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Kashif, for sharing your experiences and insights with us today. Your dedication to promoting Urdu is truly commendable!
**Kashif Masidia:** Thank you for the opportunity! Let’s continue to celebrate and advocate for our languages together.
