Adding a language which is used by 40 million people
Dear Waze Localization Team,
My name is Meer Faraydon, and I am 18 years old. I am passionate about computer science, artificial intelligence, software, and language localization. I have completed several courses and earned certificates in computer science, AI, and related technologies. Alongside my technical interests, I have experience in translation and communication across multiple languages.
I am fluent in Kurdish, English, Turkish, and Arabic. I have also worked on business translation projects, which have strengthened my ability to communicate accurately and naturally between languages. My combination of technical knowledge and multilingual experience has inspired me to contribute to technology that makes everyday life easier for people.
I am writing to express my interest in volunteering to help bring professional Kurdish language support to Waze.
Kurdish is spoken by more than 40 million people across Iraq, Türkiye, Iran, Syria, and Kurdish communities around the world. Despite the large number of speakers, Kurdish is still underrepresented in many global digital platforms and navigation technologies.
Many Kurdish speakers prefer to use technology in their native language, especially when receiving spoken navigation instructions while driving. Providing accurate, natural Kurdish voice guidance would improve accessibility, make navigation easier to understand, and create a better experience for many users.
One of the greatest strengths of this project is the richness of the Kurdish language. Kurdish includes several major dialects, including Sorani, Badini (Kurmanji), Hawrami, Zazaki, and others. Each dialect has its own pronunciation, vocabulary, and expressions. Rather than creating only one version, I would be happy to help develop professional localization for multiple dialects so that users can choose the voice and language that feels most natural to them.
I would be honored to contribute by:
- Translating the Waze interface into Kurdish.
- Reviewing and improving translations for accuracy and clarity.
- Recording high-quality navigation voice prompts.
- Helping adapt the language naturally for different Kurdish dialects.
- Assisting with testing and quality assurance to ensure a professional user experience.
I am offering my time because I truly believe this project can make Waze more accessible to millions of Kurdish speakers. My goal is not only to support my own community but also to help Waze become more inclusive by serving one of the world’s largest language communities that still has limited representation in navigation technology.
I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss this proposal with your localization team. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I hope to contribute to Waze and help bring professional Kurdish language and voice support to users around the world.
Kind regards,
Meer Faraydon