Minnesota’s Enterprise Translation Office uses ChatGPT to bridge language gaps

For government services to be truly effective, they must be accessible to all residents. Removing language barriers is essential to high quality public service. This is the founding principle of the State of Minnesota’s Enterprise Translations Office (ETO), established in 2023 to provide dedicated translation services for the state’s Executive Branch.

Over 20 percent of Minnesota’s residents primarily speak a language other than English, with Spanish, Somali, and Hmong as the top three major non-English languages⁠(opens in a new window) spoken in the state. Language gaps in government communication are a challenge for community health, safety, and trust. The ETO works to ensure equitable access to government information and resources for all, bridging linguistic gaps to ensure a stronger, more inclusive Minnesota.

Using ChatGPT to improve accuracy, speed, and equity

Government agencies have long made consistent efforts to provide translation services, but Minnesota, like many states, faces challenges. The state’s translation process was highly decentralized, with each department relying on various methods, including engaging external contractors, leading to inconsistent quality, high costs, and delays that could extend up to a month for a single request. Interpretation services were equally challenging, where limited access to approved interpreters made it difficult for people to engage with critical legal and community services effectively.

As Adam Taha, Director of the ETO, describes, “The balance between accuracy and speed is the crux of the problem.” By incorporating AI-driven solutions and especially ChatGPT, the ETO has been able to address this challenge, enhancing both the speed and accuracy of its translation services.

Delivering tangible benefits to Minnesotans

ChatGPT has significantly enhanced the ETO’s and the State of Minnesota’s Executive Branch’s ability to serve Minnesotans in four impactful ways: