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Global linguistic wealth is unimaginable, with some seven thousand different languages. Each one offers a different view of the world and an irreplaceable link to history, but the disappearance of any language represents an irreparable loss of knowledge and cultural diversity. That is why, with the help of technology, solutions are now being presented for their preservation.
Many countries, such as Spain, are home to indigenous languages originating in their territory. In addition to Spanish, languages such as Catalan, Basque, and Galician coexist. Others, such as Asturian-Leonese and Aragonese, are recognized but more vulnerable. This fabric forms a unique and dynamic sociolinguistic reality, especially in Europe.
This is where AI comes in as a transformative tool for languages. In Spain, 96% of professionals use AI tools, mainly for translation and automation. However, only 23% consider themselves experts. This reveals a gap between widespread adoption and in-depth mastery of these technologies.
Another challenge is language barriers, which cost business opportunities. More than 50% of professionals report difficulties communicating in other languages. 49% percent of Spanish companies say they have lost business for this reason. Understanding technical documentation in another language is a common obstacle.
Despite this, AI offers great corrective potential. Companies in Spain provide these technologies to their employees with the aim of facilitating work and eliminating burdens through automation or multilingual communication assistants.
Inclusion of languages to break down barriers
To address this challenge, DeepL recently added Catalan, Basque, Galician, and Aragonese to its platform. This decision responds to the real economic weight of these languages. Catalonia alone accounts for nearly 19% of the national GDP. In these regions, the local language is key to business confidence and efficiency.
“Co-official languages are part of everyday economic life in Spain,” explained Jarek Kutylowski, founder and CEO of DeepL. “We want to be a useful tool for the entire population, regardless of the language they use.” Technology must adapt to how people and organizations communicate in each territory.
Inclusion is based on the number of speakers and the vitality of the language. Catalan is understood by nearly 9 million people. Basque has about 750,000 speakers, with a growing presence in the digital world. Galician is used by more than two million people. Aragonese, with about 25,000 speakers, is gaining recognition.
This expansion facilitates professional communication and legitimizes the use of indigenous languages in prestigious fields. It revalues linguistic diversity as a competitive asset. It allows companies to operate globally without sacrificing their local roots, combining innovation with authenticity.
The future will require integrating these tools ethically and effectively, but gains in efficiency should not compromise critical thinking or the quality of human relationships. Teams must embrace technical change while cultivating uniquely human skills.
In this balance, technology applied to language learning is a fundamental bridge. It can protect diversity while driving innovation, connecting cultural heritage with the demands of an inclusive digital future.
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