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+--- Thread: Google Translate Conversation Mode (/thread-7061.html)
Google Translate Conversation Mode - nest0r - 2011-01-13
Will you become fluent before we have universal translators?
http://googletranslate.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-look-for-google-translate-for.html
"We also want to let you in on an experimental feature that’s still in its earliest stages—Conversation Mode. This is a new interface within Google Translate that’s optimized to allow you to communicate fluidly with a nearby person in another language. You may have seen an early demo a few months ago, and today you can try it yourself on your Android device.
Currently, you can only use Conversation Mode when translating between English and Spanish. In conversation mode, simply press the microphone for your language and start speaking. Google Translate will translate your speech and read the translation out loud. Your conversation partner can then respond in their language, and you’ll hear the translation spoken back to you. Because this technology is still in alpha, factors like regional accents, background noise or rapid speech may make it difficult to understand what you’re saying. Even with these caveats, we’re excited about the future promise of this technology to be able to help people connect across languages."
Google Translate Conversation Mode - kazelee - 2011-01-13
Soon even aliens will sound as if they speak fluent English...
Google Translate Conversation Mode - Nukemarine - 2011-01-14
Now that would officially be the babelfish. Guess Google is actually an ancient early human term for "God does not exist".
Google Translate Conversation Mode - mezbup - 2011-01-14
It's interesting if you peek into the future of technology, a universal translator is definitely part of that. So, I feel like we have a special opportunity to enjoy the special thing that is learning a foreign language before everyone becomes very nonchalant about foreign language learning owing to a lack of a need to learn one due to a universal translator.
Also can't wait for the day it gets perfected.
Google Translate Conversation Mode - wccrawford - 2011-01-14
2 thoughts:
1) One of the best things I've gotten from learning Japanese is seeing how you can say things differently in Japanese than English. I really like some of the constructs, now that I've learned them.
2) This device could be really nice for learning a language. Press 'Spanish', speak your Spanish phrase that you think you have down pat, see if Google gives back the right English.
Google Translate Conversation Mode - GreenAirth - 2011-01-14
I can imagine at some point we will have pretty much perfect, instantaneous translation. But you know, if that kind of technology had been available when I first met my wife, I find it hard to believe we would have ever made use of it. Surely there must always be a place for real, human interaction. Even so, I'd be lying if I didn't admit to always loving the idea of the Babel fish in Hitchhiker's.
Another thing, of course, is that language is more than simply direct communication. It's about understanding another culture and a different way of thinking. How dull the world would be if we all spoke the same language.