For the most part, Google utilises the same search algorithms for all languages, but in some circumstances, a language’s requests require a separate algorithm to understand them.
In response to a Reddit thread asking “Does Google employ the same algorithm for every language?” Google’s Search Advocate John Mueller stated this.
The debate goes on to discuss ranking variables and SEO strategies, as well as how they may alter depending on the language.
The following is a more detailed description of the thread:
“Because the BERT upgrade dealt with semantics, I wondered if it would be the same in all languages.” This got me thinking about additional ranking elements and how they could range in relevance between languages and cultures. Anyway, I’d want to ask anyone who has done SEO in a different language if they’ve seen any variations in ranking factors?”
Mueller does not address the topic of ranking criteria, but he does discuss the usage of search engines in several languages.
In the part below, you’ll find his complete response.
The Differences in Google Search Algorithms Based on Language
Many people think of the Google Search algorithm as a single entity, but it’s actually made up of “many and lots” of algorithms.
Some of these algorithms are utilised for all language searches, while others are used specifically for certain languages.
Some languages, for example, do not use spaces to divide words, according to Mueller. As a result, a separate algorithm than Google’s for languages that do not utilise spaces is required.
He claims:
“Mostly. There are several algorithms used in search. Some of these apply to information in all languages, while others are peculiar to certain languages (for example, some languages don’t use spaces to separate words, which would make things difficult to find if Google believed that all languages were the same as English).”
How Does Google Translate Content In Different Languages?
It’s worth noting an issue that was brought up at the Google Search Central SEO office-hours hangout last week when it comes to searching Google in multiple languages.
When Mueller was asked how Google knows when one page is similar to another when the material on each page is in a different language, he said he doesn’t know.
To put it another way, Google can’t tell whether a piece of material published in one language is the same as or comparable to content written in another.
When various pieces of material are written in different languages, Google depends on content providers to determine if they are equal.
Mueller describes how the hreflang HTML element does this:
“… we simply utilise hreflang to figure out which of these URLs are identical in your eyes.” And we’ll switch those out…
… I believe it is hard for us to comprehend how this precise information would be equal in another country or language. For example, there are a plethora of local variations that are always feasible.”
Knowing that Google can’t assess the equivalence of different language information on its own offers additional insight on why particular languages have specific Google algorithms.