Amidst the hype surrounding ChatGPT, it is crucial to acknowledge its limitations as a large language model. It is prone to generating false information, failing basic logic tests, and lacking independent thinking capabilities.
However, one of ChatGPT’s lesser-known but remarkable achievements is its ability to generate coherent text in over 50 languages, including those with limited training data. This is a significant advance, addressing concerns that smaller languages would be overlooked by language technologies.
ChatGPT’s multilingual capabilities extend beyond simply generating text. It can also instantly translate questions and respond in the target language, even for relatively obscure languages like Danish, spoken by only about 5.5 million people.
While ChatGPT may not be perfect, its ability to handle multiple languages, including those with limited training data, is a testament to the advancements in machine learning. This achievement opens up possibilities for democratizing access to language technologies and ensuring that smaller languages are not left behind in the digital age.
Furthermore, as machine learning techniques continue to improve, the vast resources traditionally required to cater to smaller languages may no longer be necessary. This could further mitigate the challenges faced by smaller language communities and promote greater inclusivity in the online realm.
