Google releases online COVID-19 dictionary in Filipino and Cebuano

Google Philippines has just released an online dictionary with COVID-19-related terms in Filipino and Cebuano.

According to the technology company, the site “Isang Gabay sa mga Salitang Kaugnay ng COVID-19” features over 115 commonly used COVID-19-related words and phrases translated in both Filipino and Cebuano. 

Just in time for the country’s celebration of Buwan ng Wika, the site provides Filipino and Cebuano translations of specific words, its corresponding definitions, and how these are used in a sentence.

It also has a vocabulary that “pertains to changes in business, education, and new way of life.”

Google said that with the launch of the site, it hoped to help Filipinos have a better understanding of these commonly used COVID-19 terminologies and help disseminate information.

“Based on Google Trends insights, a lot of Filipinos are looking for the meaning of COVID-19-related terminologies in our local languages,” said Mervin Wenke, Google Philippines head of communications and public affairs.

“We hope that this will be useful as well to students and to those who seek to expand their knowledge,” he added.

The search engine giant said the site was made possible with the help of assistant professor Eilene Antoinette G. Narvaez of the Department of Filipino and Philippine Literature of University of the Philippines Diliman and Hannah Marie R. Aranas, former literature teacher at University of San Carlos Department of Languages and Literature. – Kaela Malig/RC, GMA News