ChatGPT enhances icelandic language capabilities with latest update

ChatGPT, the AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, has significantly improved its Icelandic language capabilities with its latest update, GPT 4o. The advancements have been so substantial that it can produce text that is difficult to distinguish from that written by a human, according to industry experts.

Since its launch in late 2022, Icelandic language support in ChatGPT was initially limited. However, the launch of GPT 4 in spring 2023 marked a turning point, partly due to the contributions of Miðeind, an Icelandic language technology company that has worked to fine-tune the model.

Linda Heimisdóttir, the managing director of Miðeind, stated that the introduction of GPT 4o has led to a noticeable improvement in Icelandic language usage. “We’ve actually reached a point where it’s quite usable, even though it’s not perfect,” she remarked.

The collaboration began with a method known as supervised learning, where ChatGPT learned how to respond correctly in Icelandic, although it struggled with grammar and produced nonsensical compound words. Following the integration of better datasets, the model’s performance improved dramatically—only 1% of the original data was deemed adequate after cleansing.

Miðeind not only provided quality data but also assessed ChatGPT’s Icelandic proficiency through various tests. The model achieved 66% of the maximum points available in these evaluations, indicating significant improvement over earlier versions.

OpenAI has expressed a strong commitment to enhancing language capabilities across various languages, especially minority languages that have not received adequate support in technology. With these advancements, the future looks promising for Icelandic users of ChatGPT, who can now expect more accurate and meaningful interactions in their native language.