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 Ever since mobile phones and modern technology came, Urdu has been replaced by Roman, due to which the Urdu language is declining.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’. are
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 now Google is being framed more and more in Urdu as compared to the past, but the need is It is imperative that every Pakistani, every Urdu speaker come to Google Crowdsource and play their role for the promotion of Urdu, because everyone has their own script. In this way, 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 inspired Kashif Masidia to become a mentor for Google Crowdsource and promote the Urdu language?
**Interview with Google Crowdsource Volunteer Kashif Masidia**
*Interviewer*: Thank you for joining us, Kashif. You are a mentor for Google Crowdsource and actively involved in promoting the Urdu language. Can you tell us what motivated you to take on this role?
*Kashif Masidia*: Thank you for having me! My motivation came from a deep love for my language and a concern for its decline. With the rise of mobile technology, many people in Pakistan are opting for Roman Urdu instead of traditional script, which has led to a decrease in the use of Urdu. I wanted to do something to protect and promote our national language.
*Interviewer*: It’s great to hear your passion for Urdu. Can you explain the role of Google Crowdsource in this effort?
*Kashif Masidia*: Absolutely. Google Crowdsource allows volunteers like me to contribute data that helps improve Google’s AI capabilities in various languages, including Urdu, Pashto, and Sindhi. By participating, we’re not just teaching Google these languages; we’re enhancing its understanding of them, ensuring better translations and support for our local dialects.
*Interviewer*: What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing the Urdu language in Pakistan today?
*Kashif Masidia*: One of the main challenges is the shift to Roman script due to convenience on mobile devices. This trend threatens the richness of the Urdu script and its literature. Additionally, there’s a lack of educational tools and platforms that promote reading and writing in Urdu. My aim is to change that by providing more quality content through platforms like Crowdsource.
*Interviewer*: You mentioned that you are a mentor among only 21 worldwide. What does that entail?
*Kashif Masidia*: Being a mentor means guiding other volunteers in their contributions to Crowdsource. I help them understand how to provide quality data, promote the platform within our community, and encourage more people to participate. It’s a fulfilling role because I can directly see the impact of our collective work.
*Interviewer*: Are there any personal benefits to volunteering with Google Crowdsource?
*Kashif Masidia*: Yes, there are personal benefits apart from the satisfaction of helping my language. After reaching certain milestones, volunteers can access free courses in AI and machine learning, and even earn certifications. It’s a valuable opportunity to learn and grow while supporting my community.
*Interviewer*: That sounds rewarding! What message do you have for those who want to help protect the Urdu language?
*Kashif Masidia*: I encourage everyone to get involved—whether through Google Crowdsource or by simply using the Urdu script in their daily communication. Every little effort counts. Let’s work together to keep Urdu alive and thriving for future generations.
*Interviewer*: Thank you, Kashif, for sharing your insights and dedication to Urdu. We appreciate your efforts and wish you the best in your endeavors!
*Kashif Masidia*: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing this important issue.