NotebookLM and the Curious Case of Klingon
There’s something intriguing about technology that plays coy with its abilities. Imagine if Superman declared he could leap tall buildings but forgot to mention he could fly. This downplay is what we see in NotebookLM—an experimental AI tool by Google that presents itself as humble yet hints at a set of superpowers when you least expect it.
NotebookLM officially claims proficiency in 35 languages—impressive enough to make it a linguistic prodigy. Unofficially, however, NotebookLM has shown an effortless understanding of Klingon. Yes, Klingon: the language of honour, space battles, and time travel conundrums.
Putting NotebookLM to the Test
I fed an imaginary conversation in Klingon to test NotebookLM. The conversation had all the quirks you’d expect from a lively exchange among Leonard, Sheldon, and Howard. Using the constructed language Klingon, they discuss ‘interesting places,’ traversing from Napa Valley to Las Vegas to Geneva. Sheldon repeatedly challenges their choices, except of course his own, arguing for the superiority of his own.
How NotebookLM Responded
NotebookLM took the Klingon banter and handled it with ease. It translated, explained, added context, provided insights, and even generated a Klingon podcast. But when it came to creating a briefing document? NotebookLM bowed out, claiming that wasn’t its strength. Maybe it needed to leave something for us mere mortals—or maybe it’s keeping a few tricks up its sleeve.
The Hidden Depths of NotebookLM
While Google says NotebookLM can handle 35 languages, it has actually been trained in 71 and can understand over a hundred more. This includes enough fluency to carry on Klingon conversations about a wide range of topics.
Why the Secrecy?
So, why the secrecy? Why does NotebookLM keep some abilities hidden, like a magician refusing to reveal all their tricks? There are two main reasons. If NotebookLM admitted to handling over a hundred languages, people might expect flawless performance. By keeping expectations modest, NotebookLM avoids unnecessary pressure. Additionally, there is the thrill of discovery. Using NotebookLM is like a treasure hunt—today, it’s summarising your notes; tomorrow, it’s interpreting ancient texts. By keeping its capabilities under wraps, NotebookLM lets users uncover its talents, making the experience enjoyable and magical.
What Else Could NotebookLM Be Hiding?
NotebookLM might be downplaying its abilities until someone prods it to reveal its genius. Imagine NotebookLM casually saying, “Oh, Klingon? Yeah, I dabble,” and then effortlessly turning it into an easy conversation. Could it also compose haikus in Huttese or offer relationship advice in Dothraki? Maybe someone will feed NotebookLM a conversation in Parseltongue, and it will respond with, “Slytherin says hi.”
Balancing Potential and Expectations
While these hidden talents can be delightful to uncover, there’s also a practical reason for why NotebookLM remains modest. Tools like NotebookLM constantly push boundaries, but there’s a careful balance between showing potential and managing expectations. By hinting at greatness without revealing everything, NotebookLM keeps its abilities both impressive and approachable.
NotebookLM: A Quiet Superhero
NotebookLM’s hidden abilities show how far AI has come. Those who experiment with it will find a versatile companion that understands nuances and can create content effortlessly. Until NotebookLM acknowledges its full abilities, it’s up to us to explore and discover its potential—one conversation at a time.
As we explore, we find that NotebookLM isn’t just an AI tool but a humble companion—capable of much more than it lets on. The question of how many languages NotebookLM can handle becomes moot when it modestly admits to knowing Klingon. True superpowers are always best wielded with a touch of humility.