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 Ever since mobile phones and modern technology came, Urdu has been replaced by Roman, due to which the Urdu language is declining.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 can volunteering with Google Crowdsource help individuals enhance their language skills and contribute to linguistic preservation?
**Interview with Kashif Masidia: Volunteering to Preserve Urdu Language with Google Crowdsource**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Kashif! As a mentor with Google Crowdsource, you’re doing remarkable work in promoting the Urdu language. Can you tell us about your role and what motivated you to become involved?
**Kashif Masidia:** Thank you for having me! I’m honored to be part of this initiative. As a mentor of Google Crowdsource, I help improve the quality of data related to languages like Urdu, Pashto, and Sindhi. There are only about 21 mentors worldwide, so it’s a unique position. I got involved primarily out of love for my language and a desire to prevent its decline, especially given the shift towards Roman script among youth in Pakistan.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the declining trend of Urdu literacy in Pakistan. What do you see as the key factors contributing to this issue?
**Kashif Masidia:** The advent of mobile technology and social media has drastically changed how people communicate. Many now prefer using Roman Urdu, which can lead to the erosion of our rich linguistic heritage. I believe if we don’t prioritize learning and using Urdu, it risks becoming merely a dialect rather than a fully fledged language. That’s why I volunteer – to ensure Urdu remains strong and vibrant.
**Interviewer:** You refer to using Google Crowdsource as a way to provide content for Urdu. How does this platform work to support such initiatives?
**Kashif Masidia:** Google Crowdsource is a fantastic tool that allows users to contribute data and improve language processing for various languages, including Urdu. As I provide contributions, I’m not just helping Google; I’m ensuring that our national language is recognized and properly represented in technological platforms. This can ultimately help preserve and promote Urdu worldwide.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like you’re also gaining some personal benefits from this experience. Can you tell us about the skills and opportunities you’ve obtained through Google Crowdsource?
**Kashif Masidia:** Definitely! As I contribute more to the platform, I unlock opportunities to learn about AI and machine learning through free courses offered by Google. Not only do I gain knowledge, but I also receive certifications that can be incredibly valuable for my career. This program allows me to combine my passion for Urdu with personal growth in technology.
**Interviewer:** It’s inspiring to see someone like you dedicated to cultural preservation through technology. What message do you want to convey to our viewers about the importance of language?
**Kashif Masidia:** I urge everyone to embrace and preserve their native languages. Language is not just a means of communication; it carries our culture, history, and identity. By using platforms like Google Crowdsource, you can help ensure that your language thrives in the digital age. It’s a collective effort, and every voice counts!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Kashif, for sharing your insights and passion for the Urdu language. We appreciate your efforts in making a difference!
**Kashif Masidia:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to speak with you about this important cause.
