In the heart of the Basque Country, Elia, an automatic translator in Euskara, embodies a major advance in the field of linguistics thanks to the integration of artificial intelligence. Developed by the Elhuyar foundation, this translator uses deep neural networks to provide more accurate and fluent translations. Its goal: to facilitate access to the richness of Basque culture while preserving the essence of this unique language.
A linguistic innovation serving Euskara
Euskara, with its mysterious origins and complex structure, has long been seen as a challenge for translators. However, with the advent of Elia, this perception is changing. Developed by professional linguists recently, this automatic translator stands out for its efficiency. The method of deep neural networks it employs allows for analyzing and learning from vast datasets, thus transforming automatic translation into a remarkable user experience.
The fundamental role of the Elhuyar foundation
Based in Usurbil, in the province of Guipuzcoa, the Elhuyar foundation has progressively reshaped the Basque linguistic landscape. With a team of 108 people and a revenue of 7.5 million euros in 2024, it has established itself through a range of dictionaries and diverse linguistic resources. Its bold approach to integrating AI into the translation process shows its commitment to evolving Euskara in an increasingly digital world.
A collaborative design between humans and machines
Elia does not operate autonomously. On the contrary, human work is essential both at the beginning and at the end of the process. To develop this tool, professional translators provided high-quality bilingual texts, serving as the basis for the system’s learning. This process ensures that the quality of translation remains high and that the results are validated by experts, thus guaranteeing a double-checking of the translations.
Elia: an indispensable digital assistant
The quality of translations provided by Elia has received a warm welcome from users. Initially, automatic translations in Euskara lacked precision, but the introduction of Elia has significantly improved the situation. This translator is now a tool used by many professionals, although it is perceived by some as a potential threat. Nevertheless, it is essential to learn to coexist with new technologies, as Elia allows translators to work more efficiently in Euskara.
A personalized approach in the face of competition
Compared to other translation tools available on the market, especially those offered by large companies like Google, Elia stands out for its commitment to Euskara and its users. “For Google, major languages take precedence,” emphasizes Amaia Jauregi, head of Elia. In contrast, this translator focuses on the specific needs of the Basque language while ensuring user confidentiality.
Accessibility and functionality at your fingertips
Elia is not only accessible via a website, but it is also available as a smartphone application. This practical feature allows users to translate texts at any time and communicate through voice recognition. Furthermore, Elia is free, funded by services for businesses and grants related to research projects. Continuous innovation is at the heart of the concerns of the Elhuyar foundation, which is committed to constantly adapting and improving this tool.
Merchandising and culture: the future of Euskara
Digitalization and the emergence of information technologies offer new opportunities to preserve and promote Euskara. The development of Elia represents a significant advancement for Basque culture, helping to make this language accessible to an international audience. By relying on cutting-edge research projects, the Elhuyar foundation continues to explore new avenues for automatic translation and the integration of Euskara into the digital world.
