Indian startups and tech giants are developing Local Language Models (LLMs) such as BharatGPT and Hanooman, capable of understanding and generating content in multiple Indian languages.
In a significant stride towards embracing AI that accommodates India’s linguistic diversity, startups and tech giants have embarked on developing Local Language Models (LLMs) like BharatGPT and Hanooman. These models, crafted by Bengaluru-based CoRover and Seetha Mahalaxmi Healthcare in collaboration with IIT Bombay and other premier institutes, demonstrate a concerted effort to tailor AI technologies for India’s linguistic richness.
BharatGPT, proficient in over 14 Indian languages, and Hanooman, designed for sectors like healthcare and education with initial support for 11 languages, signify a transformative step in making AI accessible to a broader segment of the Indian population.
Likewise, Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute (EAII) is actively working on the development of indigenous language models for four vernacular languages: Amharic, Afaan Oromo, Tigrigna, and Somali.
Local language models play a crucial role in promoting linguistic diversity, cultural preservation, and inclusive digital communication. Here are some key reasons why local language models are important:
Linguistic Inclusion: Local language models allow people who speak less commonly used or indigenous languages to participate fully in the digital world.
Cultural Preservation: Local language models help preserve and promote cultural heritage. They allow for the documentation and dissemination of indigenous knowledge, traditions, and literature.
Access to Information: Local language models bridge the language barrier and provide access to information in local languages. This is particularly important in regions where individuals may have limited proficiency in widely spoken languages like English.
Language Revitalization: In many cases, local languages are endangered or at risk of extinction. Local language models can support language revitalization efforts by providing tools for language learning, documentation, and preservation.
Empowering Local Communities: Local language models empower local communities by providing them with the necessary tools to participate in the digital economy.
Improved User Experience: Local language models enhance the user experience by enabling natural language processing and understanding in local languages. This allows for more accurate and contextually relevant interactions with digital systems, including voice assistants, chatbots, and machine translation services.
