Google Woolaroo uses artificial intelligence to preserve languages at risk.

By Felipe Gugelmin.

Google this week launched the Woolaroo app, which uses solutions like artificial intelligence and machine learning to preserve languages that are in danger of disappearing. Available in web apps (and through Google Arts & Culture for iOS and Android), the tool invites users to use photographs to create a database that anyone can contribute to.

Google this week launched the Woolaroo app, which uses solutions like artificial intelligence and machine learning to preserve languages that are in danger of disappearing. Available in web apps (and through Google Arts & Culture for iOS and Android), the tool invites users to use photographs to create a database that anyone can contribute to.

To participate in the experiment, just point the camera of your smartphone (or a webcam, if it is on a desktop or notebook) at the object you want to register. From the photograph taken, artificial intelligence offers a complete description in the selected language, including its correct pronunciation. So far, there are 10 supported languages: Louisiana Creole, Greek from Calabria, Maori, Nawat, Tamazight, Sicilian, Yang Zhuang, Rapa Nui, Yiddish and Yugambeh.

According to Google, any of these languages represents an important aspect of the cultural heritage of the communities that use them to this day. The company highlights the open aspect of the experiment, which allows anyone to add, edit or remove records in order to preserve the essence of each available option.

"So if you, your grandparents or people in your community speak any of these languages - even if only a few words - you can help expand the growing coverage of Woolaro," says Rory O`Connor, CEO of the Yugambeh Museum, who was directly involved in the creation of the tool. According to the institution, the world loses 14 languages every day, which makes the preservation process proposed by the new platform especially important.