Voice isn’t failing LMICs – the data is
Why the data behind voice technology matters A few weeks ago, ICTWorks raised a valid alarm: voice-only interfaces are often failing small businesses in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). At CLEAR Global, we’ve spent years documenting that the problem isn’t the interface, but the foundational data. Voice technology is currently built on a digital divide […]
Tarjimly becomes part of CLEAR Global’s mission for language access
We are very excited to announce that Tarjimly is joining CLEAR Global, becoming the newest addition to our suite of tools to promote language access across the world and strengthening our impact. A shared vision for breaking language barriers Since our founding, CLEAR Global has been committed to helping people to get information in their […]
The future of language technology and why industry partnership matters
By Britta Aagaard The digital divide runs along linguistic lines. While billions of people now carry powerful computing devices in their pockets, most of the world’s 7,000+ languages remain locked out of the digital revolution. The technology that powers our voice assistants, translation apps, and search engines works beautifully for English, Mandarin, and maybe a […]
Our impact on language AI: a strategic evaluation and insight for the road ahead
Access to technology still depends on the language a person speaks. While voice assistants, transcription tools, and text-to-speech systems are becoming common in major global languages, millions of people who speak marginalized or low-resource languages remain excluded. To better understand CLEAR Global’s impact as an organization focused on low-resource language technology, and to guide our […]
Language support for people on the move: Our collaboration with UNICEF’s U-Report
CLEAR Global has partnered with U-Report On The Move, a digital platform developed by UNICEF to support young migrants and refugees in Italy. The platform is designed for unaccompanied minors and young people on the move, offering a space where they can access accurate information, receive support, and take part in shaping the policies and […]
The right information in the right language for Myanmar humanitarian staff
Earlier this year, we had the opportunity to collaborate with Internews, with funding from the H2H Network, to strengthen the aid sector in Myanmar. Recognizing the critical importance of ensuring that the right people have access to the right information in the right language, Internews developed courses designed to help humanitarian staff counter dis- and […]
The silent barrier undermining humanitarian impact
In an era of escalating crises, from conflict to climate-induced disasters, humanitarian assistance must reach more people and do so more effectively. Yet one crucial element often overlooked in delivering impactful aid is language. Language inclusion is not a peripheral concern; it is central to accountability to affected people (AAP). Without it, aid cannot be […]
Advancing data inclusivity: The Impact of Translating the KoboToolbox Essentials Course
KoboToolbox is the leading open source data tool for challenging environments. It is used by thousands of nonprofits worldwide for data-informed action in humanitarian response, development, health, environmental protection, and many other crucial social impact initiatives. Kobo, the nonprofit behind KoboToolbox, promotes data-driven impact and supports access to innovative and reliable data tools on a […]
We have a plan to expand language AI for social impact: join us!
CLEAR Global has a plan to radically expand the availability of language AI for speakers of marginalized languages, in partnership with other social impact organizations. We have a record of pioneering and advocating for the development of language technology for marginalized communities – opening the way for others. Our early automatic speech recognition and machine […]
Digital and language inclusion can transform lives — here’s how
Up to now, the advances in language technology that lie behind tools like ChatGPT, Alexa, and Google Translate have only worked for speakers of a few dozen languages. But in a wider range of languages, they could dramatically impact the lives of millions of people. They could enable those displaced by war and disasters to […]