IRAN: Google launches Farsi translation service

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Today Google added Farsi to the 40+ languages available for translation, sans cost, on its Google Translate service. One of Google’s principal scientists, Franz Och, writes that the Farsi-language tool can be used to translate news, websites, blogs, e-mails, tweets and even Facebook messages.

Since Iranian authorities shut down text messaging and barred foreign journalists from working in the streets, opposition supporters have turned to social networking sites to get word out about their protests. Said Och, “Like YouTube and other services, Google Translate is one more tool that Persian speakers can use to communicate directly to the world, and vice versa.”

A Google spokesman told the London Times, “This is not a political statement. There’s a huge amount of interest in the events in Iran and we hope this tool will improve access to information for people inside and outside the country.”

Because the site was launched quickly to fill a need, Och acknowledges that there might be some glitches. “As with all machine translation, it’s not perfect yet. And we’re launching this service quickly, so it may perform slowly at times.” He did reassure future users. “We’ll keep a close watch and if it breaks, we’ll restore service as quickly as we can.”

— Amber Smith