Shanghai University has developed a large language model called Xiao Hu dedicated to the preservation of Shanghai dialect. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Shanghai University has launched a new version of its large language model called Xiao Hu dedicated to the preservation of Shanghai dialect, the university said during a recent demonstration session held on its campus on March 10.

By incorporating Shanghai dialect in its development, the newly upgraded model is able to process multi-language text conversion and features continuous improvements in recognition, reading and generation of Shanghai dialect, according to Zeng Jun, director of the university's publicity department, who introduced the technical background and future applications of Xiao Hu at the event.

Zeng said that in the future, Xiao Hu can be used as a voice assistant, broadcaster or a teaching platform in daily scenarios. He also highlighted its potential in the research front such as generating content in Shanghai dialect and as a resource of Haipai or Shanghai-style culture.

Federico Demarco, a recent graduate from Shanghai University who speaks fluent Shanghai dialect, interacts with Xiao Hu. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In the demonstration session, Xiao Hu showcased its capability to recognize and generate Shanghai dialect.

Federico Demarco, an alumnus of the university from Argentina who has experienced the large model for the third time, said it is a good tool for learning Shanghai dialect as there are few online resources he could refer to.

Duan Yong, deputy Party secretary of Shanghai University, said the launch of Xiao Hu, which merges AI technology with Shanghai dialect, contributes to the city's digital revolution besides strengthening the preservation of Shanghai's cultural heritage.

Moving forward, the university said it will further improve the model in the accuracy of the pronunciation, the emotional expression and application in more diverse scenarios such as opera, poems, as well as recognizing varied versions of Shanghai dialect.