Skip to content
Edit post

Foreign Ministry hails Google Translate's addition of Crimean Tatar language

by The Kyiv Independent news desk June 29, 2024 1:33 PM 2 min read
Crimean Tatars carry a large Crimean Tatar flag at a rally during the Crimean Tatar Flag Day celebration in Kyiv, Ukraine, on 26 June, 2020. (STR/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
This audio is created with AI assistance

The Foreign Ministry on June 29 hailed Google Translate's recent addition of the Crimean Tatar language.

"Thank you to Google for this crucial initiative, which demonstrates that the rich linguistic & cultural heritage of Ukraine's indigenous people is valuable to the global community," the Foreign Ministry said on X.

The statement comes a few days after Google announced its "largest expansion" of its free online translation tool, Google Translate, which saw the addition of 110 new languages.

In addition to Crimean Tatar, Google has incorporated 12 languages of ethnic groups in Russia – which include Bashkir, Chechen, Udmurt, and Yakut. Tatar, a language used in the Republic of Tatarstan in Russia, was previously added in 2020.

Google says that the new language additions – which include Cantonese and Punjabi represent over 614 million speakers across the world.

The Ukrainian government has worked to preserve the Crimean Tatar language, endangered due to a declining number of speakers in Ukraine. Mass deportations and waves of repression of Crimean Tatars by both the Russian Empire and Soviet Union largely contributed to the decline.

Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 has worsened the trend. Crimean Tatars in their native peninsula continue to face brutal persecution and deportation by the Russian occupation regime.

Who are the Crimean Tatars?
One of the most overlooked parts of Ukraine is its diversity. The Crimean Tatars – a national minority native to Crimea and recognized as an indigenous people of Ukraine – are a perfect example. The Crimean Tatars – also referred to as Kirimli or Qırımlı – endured wars, mass deportations, and waves…

News Feed

7:15 PM

Ukraine's artillery braces for shell shortage as US halts aid.

The Kyiv Independent's Francis Farrell and Olena Zashko spent a day with an artillery crew from the 28th Mechanized Brigade in the front-line city of Kostiantynivka. Following the recent decision by the Pentagon to halt shipments of certain weapons to Ukraine, a looming shell shortage is once again on the horizon for Ukrainian forces.
9:17 AM  (Updated: )

'There is also good news' — Ukrainian drones hit key military optics plant in Russia, General Staff confirms.

Andrii Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's counter-disinformation center, said a drone hit the Azov Optical and Mechanical Plant in the town of Azov, Rostov Oblast. The facility reportedly manufactures critical components for the Russian military, including sights, rangefinders, thermal imaging systems, and fire control equipment for tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, ships, and aircraft.
MORE NEWS

Editors' Picks

Enter your email to subscribe
Please, enter correct email address
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required

Subscribe

* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Explaining Ukraine with Kate Tsurkan
* indicates required
Successfuly subscribed
Thank you for signing up for this newsletter. We’ve sent you a confirmation email.