Speechnations

Speechnations is a global initiative aimed at promoting multilingualism and cultural exchange through the use of speech technology. The project was launched by the European Commission in 2019 as part of the European Year of Languages. Its primary goal is to encourage the use of less commonly spoken languages in digital communication, thereby fostering linguistic diversity and inclusion.

The initiative focuses on several key areas. First, it seeks to improve the quality and availability of speech recognition and synthesis systems for under-resourced languages. This involves collecting and annotating speech data, developing language models, and creating tools for language preservation and revitalization. Second, Speechnations aims to raise awareness about the importance of linguistic diversity and the role of speech technology in preserving and promoting it. This is achieved through various outreach activities, such as workshops, webinars, and public campaigns.

The project also emphasizes the role of speech technology in facilitating cross-lingual communication and collaboration. By making it easier for people to communicate in their native languages, Speechnations aims to break down language barriers and promote cultural exchange. This is particularly relevant in today's globalized world, where digital communication is increasingly the norm.

Speechnations is a collaborative effort involving numerous stakeholders, including academic institutions, industry partners, and language communities. The project is funded by the European Union and is coordinated by a consortium of leading research organizations and technology companies. Its success is measured by the number of languages supported, the quality of speech technology systems developed, and the impact on linguistic diversity and cultural exchange.