QUESTION
What are the challenges in providing the 311 app in multiple languages?
1:46:13
·
100 sec
The deputy commissioner explains that the 311 app is currently only available in English.
- They would need to implement an automated language translation tool for the app, similar to what is used on websites like NYC.gov.
- The main barrier is developing a reliable and automated translation mechanism to offer the app in multiple languages.
- The deputy commissioner is not aware of any other New York City apps that currently have automated translation capabilities.
Jennifer Gutiérrez
1:46:13
I just wanna ask a couple questions about language access, and then I know council member Holden has a follow-up.
1:46:19
So I'm particularly interested in council member, Umsville.
1:46:23
I'll give you the number intro intro force 61.
1:46:27
I'm I'm aware, the the 175 languages or so, But my understanding is this particular bill wants to focus on the app.
1:46:37
And if I'm not mistaken the app, the app is not in multiple languages.
1:46:41
Is that correct?
Joe Morrisroe
1:46:42
The app is not the app is not in multiple languages.
1:46:45
That is correct.
Jennifer Gutiérrez
1:46:45
Right.
1:46:46
No.
1:46:46
It's just in English.
Joe Morrisroe
1:46:47
Correct.
Jennifer Gutiérrez
1:46:47
And what is so this bill is really saying we would love it in in multiple languages.
1:46:53
What is the barrier to to transitioning this app to allow for multiple languages.
Joe Morrisroe
1:47:02
Thank you for the question and and the broader context.
1:47:05
For the app itself, it's similar to the path that we would we've taken with the website in order to be able to provide translation services currently rely on automated translation services.
1:47:15
Right?
1:47:15
So if you use the 301 on my website, if you use m y c dot gov, if you use the city council website, using automated translation.
1:47:23
I won't name the the products, but there's a couple of big ones that do that translation.
1:47:27
Right?
1:47:28
We would need we need to figure out how to do that on the mobile app in order to make it available in languages.
1:47:35
It ultimately would be an automated language translation tool.
Jennifer Gutiérrez
1:47:39
Okay.
1:47:39
And and are you aware of any city app where the app is in multiple languages?
1:47:45
Where it has this automated?
1:47:47
Translation feature.
Joe Morrisroe
1:47:49
I understand your question.
1:47:50
I'm not aware, but that doesn't mean there's not any.
1:47:52
But I'm not.
Jennifer Gutiérrez
1:47:53
No worries.
