Language In Metaverse, Is It Important?

In our previous article, we talked about the metaverse and its applications. It has the potential to connect people from all over the world. The one million dollar question is: how do they communicate with each other?

The language barrier has always been an obstacle, even in the real world. Users speaking different languages can be a major turn-off to be fully immersed in this metaverse as individuals and society.

Below we present some of the main issues of language barrier in societies:

1. Communication
   People who do not speak the same language may experience difficulties understanding each other, leading to misunderstandings, frustration, and possibly dangerous situations.
2. Limited social and economic opportunities
   Language barriers may prevent non-native speaker individuals from chances of education, employment, and other opportunities in society.
3. Cultural barriers
   Language and culture are closely tied, in some cultures, not speaking the language can lead to isolation and a lack of understanding of cultural norms and values.
4. Access to information and services
   Misinformation about healthcare, legal assistance, and government services may occur to non-native speakers.
5. Discrimination
   In some societies, this may lead to discrimination and inequalities based on language and other factors.

Some real-world examples would be a situation in which a person who speaks only Spanish goes to a hospital in the United States where the primary language spoken is English. The patient may have difficulty communicating with the hospital staff and understanding any crucial information about their medical condition and treatment options.

In some other fields, this may also present problems, such as:

1. Business
   In a globalized economy, businesses may have difficulties communicating with and doing business with clients or patterns who speak different languages. This may lead to lost opportunities and potential costly misunderstandings.
2. Tourism
   Tourists who do not speak the local language may have difficulties navigating and full experience of their destination. Also, this may limit their access to information about the area.
3. Education
   This may present a disadvantage between peers and challenge for non-native speaker students.
4. Law Enforcement
   Misinformation may make it difficult to gather information, conduct investigations, and protect public safety.
5. Emergency Services
   Emergency responders may not be able to respond well during an emergency, which can lead to confusion, delays, and potentially dangerous situations.

These study cases show that it can have a significant impact on various fields, and addressing these is important to ensure effective communication, safety, and equal access to opportunities.

Several ways have been thought to solve the language barrier, some of which are most effective, including:

1. Providing translation and interpretation services
   This can include an on-site translator or interpreter and/or having access to translation services and software.
2. Multilingual education or services
   For example, offering language classes and programs for multicultural students.
3. Encouraging and supporting language-learning
   Providing resources and incentives for individuals to learn new languages like classes, exchange programs, and immersion programs in educational institutions.
4. Cultural understanding
   Introducing educational opportunities for individuals to learn about different cultures and languages to promote understanding and reduce stereotypes and prejudices.
5. Language-specific services
   For specific target groups, such as language-specific hotlines, translated information, and support groups.

We agree that this is a complex problem that requires a multi-faceted approach to solve. We think that the best approach is to tailor it to the specific context and needs of the community or society.

We have listed some of the top-leading translation engines or tools below for samples:

1. Google Translate
   One of the most widely used translation tools. Translating text, speech, images, and even entire websites in real-time. Supporting over 100 languages and accessible through the website, mobile apps & browser extensions.
2. Microsoft Translator
   Another popular translation tool that supports over 60 languages.
3. iTranslate
   A mobile app that provides real-time text and voice translation for over 100 languages. This also offers a conversation mode for real-time translation between two parties.

Other than the top 3 listed above, there are also SayHi Translate, Reverso, SDL, Lionbridge, TransPerfect, Welocalize, MotionPoint, Unbabel, and others.

Many of these companies use AI-powered technologies to improve their translations but also rely on human translators to ensure the highest quality output. With metaverse coming the following year.

This may trigger a potential application of a real-time translation in Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) platforms. Users could communicate in their native language while the platform automatically translated their speech and text in real-time for others. This would greatly enhance the social aspect of the metaverse and allow for more inclusive and diverse communities to form, also open up a new business opportunity and make the metaverse more accessible to global audiences. However, the technology is still in early stages, and it surely will take time to fully mature and develop before being adopted by the metaverse.