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 Ever since mobile phones and modern technology came, Urdu has been replaced by Roman, due to which the Urdu language is declining.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: Volunteering for Urdu at Google**
**Interviewer:** Kashif, thank you for joining us today. Can you tell us more about your role as a mentor with Google Crowdsource?
**Kashif Masidia:** Thank you for having me! As a mentor for Google Crowdsource, I’m one of about 21 mentors globally. Our goal is to support and improve Google’s handling of languages like Urdu, Pashto, and Sindhi. We’re essentially teaching Google how to better understand and process these languages, which is crucial for their accurate representation online.
**Interviewer:** That’s fascinating! Why do you think it’s essential to promote Urdu in digital spaces today?
**Kashif Masidia:** The trend of writing and reading in Urdu has significantly declined in Pakistan over the years, especially with the rise of mobile technology, which has led many to prefer Roman Urdu. I believe it’s vital to protect our national language from disappearing into a mere dialect. By contributing to Google’s crowd-sourced platform, I hope to mainstream Urdu in digital content and usage.
**Interviewer:** How does your contribution through Google Crowdsource make a difference?
**Kashif Masidia:** When I provide Urdu content, it not only aids Google’s algorithms in understanding our language better but also raises awareness about Urdu globally. I want the world to recognize Urdu as a vital language of Pakistan and ensure it remains accessible and relevant in today’s tech-driven environment.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that you are a volunteer. What motivates you to do this work?
**Kashif Masidia:** It’s really about my love for the language and my community. I’m not a direct employee of Google, but I feel a strong responsibility to help keep our cultural identity alive through the language. Additionally, as a participant in this program, I also get free access to various AI and machine learning courses, which is a wonderful perk that helps me expand my skills.
**Interviewer:** It’s great to hear that you’re able to grow personally while supporting a cause so dear to you. What would you say to others who might want to contribute to this effort?
**Kashif Masidia:** I’d encourage anyone passionate about their language and culture to get involved. There’s a lot we can do collectively to ensure our languages thrive. Every contribution makes a difference, and not only will you support your language, but you might also learn valuable skills along the way.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Kashif, for sharing your insights and dedication to promoting Urdu. Your work is truly inspiring!
**Kashif Masidia:** Thank you! It’s a pleasure to discuss something I care about deeply.
