World Cup Team Talk

As the host team South Africa and Mexico kicked-off the first World Cup game, people across the globe were joining in our multi-lingual debate - click World Cup Team Talk - in 11 different languages, powered by click Google’s automatic machine translation.

A big thanks to everyone who took part and we hope you found it as fun, engaging and enlightening as we did.

On this occasion we chose to use Google Translate, to see how the internet can break down language barriers and get people around the world talking about the beautiful game.

Our emphasis was not on the strength of the translation but on bringing football fans to chat online, regardless of their first language.

The World Cup was the subject of discussion - what it means for different countries, what people thought of the opening ceremony, how far the different teams will go and of course, who will win.

Comments came in from Albania, Vietnam, Russia, England, Tanzania, Bolivia, Netherlands, Brazil, Germany, Iran and Egypt - amongst many other countries.

Whilst the majority of the comments were in English over 15% of the comments came in Farsi, with a large percentage also posted in Swahili.

Louremar from Bacabal, Brazil pointed out that although Brazilians do not have much faith in their team’s ability, “the technique of the players and talent makes a particular thing unpredictable," and excitement took off with the first goal with Claudia from Chile exclaiming "Goal! Go South Africa!"

Support also came for the host nation from all over the world including from Maria in London, England.

Elsy in Toronto summed up the nature of the event "It's beautiful to feel that spirit of brotherhood and for a few days, leave behind the difference that unfortunately divides us." And as Ikash from London said “Let the good times roll!"