Russian Neural Network Learns to Speak Tatar
AI systems are being trained in the languages of Russia’s diverse communities.
Sber, working with scientific institutions, is developing generative artificial intelligence projects aimed at supporting linguistic diversity in Russia. One such effort involves training the neural network GigaChat (GigaChat) to communicate in the Tatar language.
In Partnership With the Academy of Sciences
The project was announced by Alexander Vedyakhin, first deputy chairman of Sberbank’s management board, during a visit to Kazan. According to Vedyakhin, the work is being carried out in collaboration with the Academy of Sciences of Tatarstan.
To train the model, specialists assembled a large-scale data corpus that includes literary works, media publications, and educational materials in Tatar. The neural network is now consolidating its knowledge to ensure that both text comprehension and generation meet expected standards.
AI as a Tool for Preserving Languages
Vedyakhin emphasized that the initiative is not only about technology, but also about preserving cultural heritage. “Together with the country’s leading scientific institutions, we aim to preserve the languages of Russia’s peoples for future generations. Artificial intelligence technologies are a tool that allows us to recreate what has been lost and safeguard cultural heritage,” he said.
According to Vedyakhin, Tatar is among the first national languages the neural network has begun working with, opening up opportunities for users to access AI services in their native language.
At the Intersection of Science and Technology
Airat Khasyanov, vice president of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan, said the project can be considered a priority area of cooperation with federal technology partners. He noted that the results are important for the digitization of services and document management, as well as for strengthening the cultural identity of the Tatar people.
In addition to Tatar, GigaChat is currently studying Udmurt, Altai, Bashkir, Buryat, and other languages spoken by Russia’s ethnic communities.
