Kalika Bali
Microsoft Research scientist | Advancing inclusive language technology
About
Kalika Bali is a researcher at Microsoft Research India who focuses on the critical gaps in language technology development and accessibility. Her work examines how rapid advances in natural language processing and AI-powered language tools often leave behind entire populations, particularly those who speak underrepresented languages or lack access to cutting-edge technology.
At TEDxMICA 2020, Bali addressed the paradox of our digital age - while language technology has made extraordinary leaps forward, these innovations frequently exclude the very communities that could benefit most from them. Her research at Microsoft Research India positions her at the forefront of understanding how technological progress can be made more equitable and inclusive, ensuring that breakthroughs in language AI serve diverse global populations rather than widening existing digital divides.
Talks1
The giant leaps in language technology -- and who's left behind
Thousands of languages thrive across the globe, yet modern speech technology -- with all of its benefits -- supports just over a hundred. Computational linguist Kalika Bali dreams of a day when technology acts as a bridge instead of a barrier, working passionately to build new and inclusive systems for the millions who speak low-resource languages. In this perspective-shifting talk, she outlines what happens when a language is omitted from the digital landscape -- and what can be gained when communities keep pace with the future.
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