Welsh Government Partners with OpenAI to improve Welsh Language
The Welsh Government and OpenAI are collaborating to enhance the capabilities of artificial intelligence in handling the Welsh language. This partnership is aimed at enabling AI technologies like ChatGPT to better cater to the needs of Wales' 874,700 Welsh speakers.
Initiative Announcement
Jeremy Miles, Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Energy and Welsh Language, unveiled this initiative at the Senedd. He emphasized that this partnership is part of a larger strategy to reinforce the Welsh language's presence in education, the economy, and daily interactions. "Cymraeg belongs to us all," stated Miles, underscoring the importance of the Welsh language. The goal of reaching a million Welsh speakers by 2050 is a driving force behind this collaboration.
Creating Open Data Archives
As part of this collaboration, open data archives will be established for AI researchers. This will address a significant challenge in AI advancement - the scarcity of Welsh language data for training models.
Commitment to Linguistic Diversity
Anna Makanju, VP of Global Affairs at OpenAI, reaffirmed the organization's dedication to linguistic diversity. Makanju highlighted their aspiration for AI models to comprehend a wide array of languages, mentioning their work on languages such as Icelandic, Hausa, and Yoruba.
Future Prospects
This project builds upon Wales' previous endeavors in language technology dating back to 2018. While progress has been made, Miles acknowledged that there is still more work to be done. The public has been encouraged to contribute ideas on leveraging technology to facilitate the increased use of Welsh.
The potential impact of this partnership is vast. It has the capacity to maintain the relevance of the Welsh language in the digital era and serve as a blueprint for preserving other minority languages globally.
AI and Traditional Culture
As Wales pursues its language-related objectives, which include the introduction of a new Welsh Language Education Bill, the collaboration with AI demonstrates the harmonious coexistence of traditional culture and cutting-edge technology.
Soliciting Public Input
The Welsh Government is now seeking input from citizens regarding future technological developments for the Welsh language. This inclusive approach allows the public to influence how AI communicates in Welsh, potentially shaping a digital landscape that embodies Wales' diverse linguistic heritage.
