Google has launched an updated version of its experimental AI tool Woolaroo, aimed at preserving endangered indigenous languages. According to Google's official blog, nearly 40% of the world’s approximately 7,000 languages are at risk of extinction, inspiring the enhancement of Woolaroo with support from the Gemini platform to provide broader context.
Originally released in 2021 by Google Arts & Culture, Woolaroo allows users to capture images and learn words representing their surroundings in 30 endangered languages. Google emphasizes the importance of languages as carriers of culture, history, and identity.
What’s New in Woolaroo?
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Developed in collaboration with global partners and indigenous communities who provided curated translations and voice recordings for accuracy.
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Addition of 10 new languages in 2025 from Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, and Scotland.
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Inclusion of spoken stories to deepen cultural understanding of these communities.
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Woolaroo uses Google AI to recognize objects via camera and translate them into the local indigenous language or a language of choice, with an option to hear correct pronunciations through a sound button.
Background
Woolaroo emerged from collaboration between Google and UNESCO as part of efforts to protect global linguistic diversity.
Some of the newly added languages include:
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Nigerian EKpeye
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Zimbabwean Karanga
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Ghanaian Ga
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Ibibio (South Nigeria & Southwest Cameroon)
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Luo (Kenya & Tanzania)
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Igala (North Central Nigeria)
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Esan (South Nigeria)
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Ekegusii (West Kenya)
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Nakuru and Nairobi Gikuyu (Kenya)
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Igbanke (Edo & Delta States, Nigeria)
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