The Need for Multilingual AI in Developing Countries
How English Dominance in AI Could Widen Global Inequalities and What We Can Do About It
Do you know how much I’ve missed writing? It’s been five long weeks since I last reached out to you. I underwent significant surgery last month, and while I’m still in recovery, I’m more eager than ever to dive back into our discussions.
Today, I want to explore an issue that has been on my mind for some time: the dominance of English in AI and its implications for the world. This isn’t just about technological advancement; it’s about ensuring that technology resonates with everyone, regardless of where they are or the language they speak.
“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.”
As the Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein once said. Today, this idea is more relevant than ever. The language we speak shapes our interaction with technology, and when digital tools are confined to a single dominant language, it limits equitable access and use of these emerging technologies.
AI’s reliance on English means that it can only 'think, act, and communicate' like a subset of huma…
