Development of the Estonian-Latvian Neural machine translation toolkit (Q4294776)
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Project Q4294776 in Latvia, Estonia
Language | Label | Description | Also known as |
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English | Development of the Estonian-Latvian Neural machine translation toolkit |
Project Q4294776 in Latvia, Estonia |
Statements
365,420.37 Euro
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521,989.65 Euro
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70.01 percent
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1 October 2019
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31 March 2021
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Tilde SIA
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The objective of the project is to develop artificial inteligence (AI) based Estonian-Latvian machine translation toolkit by combination of Tilde’s state-of-the-art machine translation technologies and Avatar’s extensive data pool and translation expertise. Project Background The idea of Estonian-Latvian/Latvian-Estonian machine translation tool has arisen from a necessity to improve communication between close geographic and trading partners. The new product will be based on neural machine translation technologies - one of the most recognizable uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The project partners have both the state-of-the-art technologies and large data sets needed to develop AI-based machine translation for quality translation between these two complex languages. On 21 August 2018, the first joint meeting of the Latvian and Estonian Cabinets of Ministers discussed issues of common interest for both neighbouring countries. During this meeting Tilde was invited to present the idea of applying AI based translation technologies to creating an Estonian-Latvian translation service. Representatives from the both governments were supportive of the idea and expressed an interest in future development steps. This proposal for the development of the EstLat Translator is the natural outcome of this historic meeting. The direct Estonian-Latvian translation toolkit will eliminate the need to use a third language, usually English or Russian, which makes the translations unreliable in cross-border communication and services. Through cutting-edge neural machine translation technology it is now possible to “train” computers on large volumes of translation data for direct translation from Latvian to Estonian and Estonian to Latvian. As a component of developing the technology, the project will foster better understanding of both the Latvian and Estonian languages, will further advance the technologies necessary to ensure that Estonian and Latvian are examples how technology can help smaller European languages stay relevant in the digital age, and strengthen cross-border cooperation through stakeholder involvement. Cross Border nature of the project In the project the Latvian company Tilde and the Estonian company Avatar will cooperate to develop software tool that will make communication between languages much easier. As one of the largest Estonian translation companies skilled in using translation technologies Avatar has accumulated a significant amount of translation data. Tilde has the knowhow and experience in neural machine translation technologies to turn these translations into a service that will help both Estonian and Latvian businesses and public institutions communicate with their cross-border clients. The project will provide a synergy of competences for development of unique innovative product that not only will benefit the project partners but will also strengthen business, political and social ties between Estonia and Latvia. Objectives The objective of the project is to develop the EstLat Translator by building on the existing competences of Avatar and Tilde companies. The new toolkit will address the market need for an efficient cross-border communication solution and will create new cross-border business opportunities for both partners. Both public and private entities will benefit from an Estonian-Latvian-Estonian machine translation service. It will provide both project partners with a unique product to expand their businesses and seize new market opportunities. Impact The proposed high-quality machine translation service has the potential to be needed and used by every business and agency that communicates with their Estonian or Latvian partners. For example, it will be useful to scan the media and follow changes in laws, translate product and service descriptions. The project will serve a broader purpose to ensure digital relevance of Estonian and Latvian languages and strengthen usage of these small European languages in the digital age. It will showcase the benefits and opportunities of direct machine translation between smaller European languages. In the longer run access to information, different types of content and services in one’s native language by using AI driven language technology tools will strengthen social contacts and facilitate business relationships between Estonia and Latvia. Main Activities Project partners will establish and maintain a strong working relationship. The project will be implemented through three work packages (1) Analysis and specification will result in user requirement analysis, functional specification and the technical specification. (2) Development of the EstLat Translator - core activity of the project and will include preparing data, developing the neural machine translation systems, development of the EstLat Translator and piloting. (3) Marketing and sales planning - defining value proposition and pricing of the EstLat Translator , client segmentation a (English)
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