KDA is working on ‘accurate’ Kannada translation software

BENGALURU: The Kannada Development Authority (KDA) is coming up with its own translation engine, which it claims is more accurate than any other software as it uses words from over 80 Kannada dictionaries. The KDA translation engine, together with the mobile application, is under development and is expected to be launched in January.

The software popular among users is Google Translate – from Kannada to English and English to Kannada – for a translation that is not entirely accurate, KDA chairman Purushotham Bilimele told TNIE. Explaining the difference between Google Translate and KDA’s new translation engine, Purushottam said Kannada is a peculiar language with words ending in vowels. Although all Dravidian languages ​​sound the same, many of them end in consonants.

“With these technical aspects in mind, we have designed a system that is accurate. Since Kannada words end with vowels like uu, aa, ee, the translation problems are different for the translation machine,” he said.

KDA has already uploaded 1.5 lakh words from 80 Kannada dictionaries. “Ours is more precise, it is designed so that even after translation the meaning of words remains intact. This can be translated from Kannada to English and vice versa. We wanted to launch it on Kannada Rajyotsava, but there is still some work to be done. About 50,000 words still need to be added, which will take another two months,” he said.

According to Purushottam, Google Translate has almost three lakh words, and KDA’s translation will have two lakh words. “We did not include all the English words, especially the technical words,” he said. Once this is done, they plan to take up Kannada-Hindi and Hindi-Kannada translation.

The KDA chairman said they have often seen many Kannada translations going wrong, including billboards and name boards. This is because Google Translate is not accurate and sometimes gives a different meaning. “Because we have language experts, the translation is more accurate,” he added.

When asked if the Kannada dictionary contains regional dialects that are different in Karnataka, Purushotham said they have opted for the basic Kannada, which is understood by everyone. “Our version is suitable for Kannada newspapers and not for Kannada textbooks,” he said.

Guv wishes people on Rajyotsava

Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot expressed his wishes to the people on the eve of Kannada Rajyotsava. “Sincere regards to everyone at Kannada Rajyotsava. As we celebrate the unification of Karnataka on November 1, let us cherish the rich cultural heritage of our state. Today we honor the visionaries who worked for the unity and prosperity of Karnataka,” he stated.