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 Ever since mobile phones and modern technology came, Urdu has been replaced by Roman, due to which the Urdu language is declining.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
**PAA Questions:**
**Interview with Kashif Masidia on Promoting Urdu through Google Crowdsource**
*Host:* Welcome, Kashif Masidia! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. You are a mentor with Google Crowdsource, and your efforts to promote the Urdu language are quite inspiring. Can you start by explaining what Google Crowdsource is and how you got involved?
*Kashif Masidia:* Thank you for having me! Google Crowdsource is a platform designed for users to help improve Google’s services by contributing local knowledge and data. I got involved because I’m passionate about preserving and promoting Urdu. As one of the 21 global mentors, I guide others in submitting content that enhances Google’s understanding and processing of our language.
*Host:* That’s fascinating! You mentioned that the trend of writing and reading Urdu is on the decline in Pakistan, especially with the rise of modern technology. Can you elaborate on that?
*Kashif Masidia:* Absolutely. The prevalence of mobile phones and computer technology has led many people, particularly the younger generation, to communicate in Roman Urdu rather than traditional Urdu script. This shift threatens the integrity of our language. My goal is to harness tools like Google Crowdsource to ensure that Urdu is accurately represented and remains a vital language rather than fading into a mere dialect.
*Host:* It sounds like a noble mission. You’ve mentioned that you are not a direct employee of Google but a volunteer. What motivates you to dedicate your time to this cause?
*Kashif Masidia:* My motivation stems from a deep love for my language and community. I believe in the importance of cultural identity, and language is a crucial part of that. By contributing to Google Crowdsource, I can help ensure that Urdu is recognized and utilized globally. Plus, I get to learn from the process—after reaching a certain milestone in contributions, I gain access to free AI and machine learning courses offered by Google, which is a great opportunity for personal growth.
*Host:* That’s an impressive benefit! How do you see the future of Urdu in technology, and what impact do you think your efforts will have?
*Kashif Masidia:* I envision a future where Urdu is not just an option but an integral part of digital interfaces and content. With continued contributions from people like Rizwan and myself via Google Crowdsource, I believe we can create robust resources for Urdu speakers and learners. This can revitalize interest in the language and encourage new generations to engage with it actively.
*Host:* Thank you so much, Kashif, for sharing your insights. Your efforts and dedication are vital in promoting the Urdu language in the digital age. We look forward to seeing how Google Crowdsource evolves through your work!
*Kashif Masidia:* Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing this important topic with you.
