Harnessing AI to Translate Religious Texts into Lasser-Know Languages

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been making waves in various sectors, from image generation to advanced chatbot systems. However, a group of researchers is now leveraging AI for a unique and noble cause - translating religious texts into lesser-known languages.

The Advent of AI in Translation

AI has been a game-changer in many fields, and its impact on language translation is no exception. From real-time translation apps to sophisticated language models, AI has significantly enhanced our ability to break down language barriers. However, the application of AI in translating religious texts into lesser-known languages is a relatively unexplored territory that holds immense potential.

Ulf Hermjakob and Joel Mathew, researchers at the University of Southern California’s Information Sciences Institute, have recently launched a project called "Scripture AI". This initiative aims to facilitate the translation of religious texts, such as the Bible, into languages that have limited written records or are on the brink of extinction.

"We don't see AI as a replacement for human translators. Instead, we view it as a supportive tool to assist in this challenging task of translating religious texts into languages where there's often almost no written records," Hermjakob, a Ph.D. computer scientist, explained.

The Need for Translation in Lesser-Known Languages

Despite religious texts like the Bible being among the world's most translated books, they have only been translated into about 700 of the world's 7,000 languages. This leaves out many languages with several thousand speakers. The primary target for the Scripture AI project is communities of around 100,000 speakers.

Mathew, an engineer specializing in natural language processing, emphasized the significance of having religious texts in one's native language. "Having the word of God in your own heart language is very meaningful. It's life-altering for communities," he said.

The importance of this endeavor is underscored by the fact that language is not just a means of communication, but also a carrier of culture and identity. By translating religious texts into these lesser-known languages, the project not only brings spiritual enlightenment to these communities but also contributes to the preservation of their linguistic heritage.

How Does the AI Work?

For major languages, spell checkers have been around for a while. However, for languages with only a few thousand speakers, commercial spell-checking software is non-existent. This is where Scripture AI comes in.

The AI software scans drafts of the translation and looks for inconsistencies in spelling, flagging them for the user. It also checks the alignment of the words and can flag inconsistencies for the translator. This can save the translator a significant amount of time and effort.

The software also presents a "menu" of terms from other translations to help the translator choose a word for difficult terms. However, Mathew and Hermjakob both stressed that their program is not intended to be an all-in-one solution for translating religious texts. The process requires a small team of native speakers who also know a second, more common language.

The Human Element in AI Translation

While AI plays a crucial role in this translation process, the human element remains indispensable. The native speakers of the lesser-known languages provide the AI with the necessary input to learn and adapt to the language's nuances. This collaborative effort between humans and AI ensures that the translations are not only accurate but also culturally sensitive and contextually appropriate.

"Generally you would not do this [translation work] in isolation, you would do this as teams and in association with a local body of believers, Christians, so that there is generally quick feedback on what you are drafting. So the human element for all of us is extremely important,” Mathew continued.

What's Next?

Hermjakob and Mathew's work has received support from their university and a major Christian Bible translation agency. Their goal is to make the software available for free, in line with their beliefs about the importance of spreading religious teachings.

"It's much more than an academic project for us. It's a passion project, where we're excited to see religious texts being translated, however we can help. If we can support the translation process, accelerate the quality checking, and help produce better-quality translations, that's reward enough for us," Hermjakob said.

In conclusion, the Scripture AI project is a testament to the transformative power of AI when used for noble causes. By bridging the language gap, it not only brings religious texts closer to people but also contributes to the preservation of linguistic diversity. As AI continues to evolve, we can expect more such innovative applications that can make a significant impact on society.