Is it possible to unlock the power of linguistic inclusion and accessibility with technology?
Language is the connective thread of human society, a tool through which we express our thoughts, emotions, and ideas. It is an essential aspect of our identity and culture, and it plays a pivotal role in shaping our interactions with the world. However, not everyone shares a common language, and linguistic diversity can lead to barriers and exclusions. This is where linguistic inclusion and accessibility come into play, and technology stands as a powerful ally in overcoming these challenges.
The Essence of Linguistic Inclusion
Linguistic inclusion refers to the practice of ensuring that language does not become a barrier to participation in various aspects of life. This concept encompasses multiple dimensions, from making information and services available in multiple languages to creating a space where people of different linguistic backgrounds can communicate and engage on equal terms.
The importance of linguistic inclusion is evident in various spheres of life. It fosters inclusivity in the workplace, making sure that employees can collaborate, understand, and be understood by their colleagues, regardless of their linguistic backgrounds.
The Challenge of Linguistic Accessibility
Accessibility, on the other hand, pertains to ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access information, products, and services. When it comes to language, this means making content understandable and navigable for people with various linguistic abilities and challenges. This can include individuals who are non-native speakers, those with hearing or language impairments.
Linguistic accessibility is vital for creating an equitable and inclusive society. In the digital age, this also extends to making online content and services accessible to everyone, regardless of their linguistic abilities.
Why Technology is the Greatest Support for Linguistic Inclusion and Accessibility
The importance of linguistic inclusion and accessibility is clear, but achieving it on a broad scale would be nearly impossible without the aid of technology. Here’s why technology is the linchpin of progress in this regard:
- Speech-to-Text (STT) and Text-to-Speech (TTS): These technologies empower individuals with speech or hearing impairments by converting text to speech or vice versa, ensuring that communication is not hindered by these challenges.
- Machine Translation (MT) and Language Tools: Technology, specifically machine translation and language processing tools, can bridge language gaps. It enables automatic translation and transcription services, making information available in multiple languages, thus breaking down linguistic barriers.
- Accessible Design Principles: Technology can integrate accessible design principles into events, meetings, or any workplace, making them user-friendly for individuals with varying linguistic abilities.
The Path Forward
In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected and diverse, linguistic inclusion and accessibility are paramount for fostering equality and social cohesion. Technology not only plays a pivotal role in making this a reality but also ensures that linguistic barriers are no longer insurmountable obstacles.
As we move forward, it is crucial for governments, organisations, and individuals to recognise the importance of linguistic inclusion and accessibility. By embracing technology and supporting initiatives that promote linguistic inclusivity, we can create a more equitable and accessible world, where everyone has a voice and can be heard, regardless of their language or communication abilities.
World’s First ‘Multimedia Podium’ Translating Simultaneously Launched at ComoLake2023
Imagine a podium that transcribes and translates at the same time choosing from over 60 languages. This innovation was launched and presented at Como Lake 2023 this year.
Artificial intelligence is applied to simultaneous subtitling with CABOLO Podium, which applies the new technology to the transcription and translation of international meetings and conferences.
CABOLO is an autonomous AI-enhanced solution that processes information without the need to connect to external services. The interactive podium has an integrated system that simultaneously transcribes and translates over 60 different languages during international events. CABOLO Podium makes it easy and intuitive to follow and understand what a speaker is saying during an international conference: on the screen integrated in the podium and facing the audience, in fact, the transcription and translation of the speech in progress at that moment are displayed in real-time. Whether it is for more linguistic inclusion and accessibility for people with different backgrounds or for those with hearing impairment, this solution is a massive step forward in innovative technologies.
