WIREDGOV

Welsh speakers asking their smart devices to turn on the lights, to send messages or to play their favourite music in Welsh - that’s one part of the vision outlined by the Welsh Government’s new Welsh Language Technology Action Plan published yesterday.

Developing Welsh Language speech technology that will allow Welsh language versions of digital personal assistants to be created in future; developing artificial intelligence in Welsh so that machines understand the language; and improving computer-assisted translation to ensure more Welsh is available are also aims of the plan.

The plan sets out the Welsh Government’s vision for children, young people and adults to have more opportunities to use Welsh language technology, and to use it easily; in schools, in the workplace and at home.

Announcing the publication of the plan, Minister for Welsh Language and Lifelong Learning, Eluned Morgan yesterday said:

“So many people use technology for so many different things in their lives.  We want to make it as easy as possible for them to do this in Welsh.

“This is why we want Welsh language functionality to be readily available, without having to be requested, when it comes to technology, whether that is working on your computer, using your phone or tablet. We want people to be able to use Welsh and English easily in their virtual lives at home, in school, in work or on the move.

“Technology also provides many opportunities for us to increase our use of Welsh or to learn Welsh but to do this we need to have the correct infrastructure in place. Technology moves quickly. Welsh needs to move with technology. That is the aim of our Plan.”

Related Links

Welsh-language technology and digital media action plan