Monday, August 17, 2009

Google Translate


Has anyone ever needed help with translation of text, a web page or a document in a different language? Google has just the right tool for you!

They have created state-of-the art technology that translates presently in 51 different languages. It offers translation assistance when browsing through different web pages on the internet, translating a phrase, single word or even an entire document. Google Translate is an automatic translator (a.k.a. machine translation) which is backed by Google's research group. This group combines billions of words of text into a statistical machine translator that is able to translate between languages. For example, if you were to type a phrase such as "how are you?" in English into the text box and ask for the Spanish translation, Google Translate would give "Como estas?" as the result. Of course, due to the fact that Google Translate's translations are provided by a machine and not a human, there is always room for improvement. Google accepts any suggestions contributed by an individual who feels there would be a better way to phrase a translation and continue to work at improving this tool.

Google Translate offers several features within itself. First, translation through the text box. As previously stated, this text box allows an individual to type a single text, phrase or upload an entire document for translation. Second, attaching a gadget (or quick link) to your own web page. This gadget is made up of 51 languages that will translate your site to the reader's preference. The reader would choose their preferred language easily from a drop down menu. The third feature, Translate Search, includes the option of browsing the web through one language and having the ability to read in the language of your choice. For example, if an individual were planning to visit Germany and needed to make hotel reservations, they could surf German websites and view in English. This FREE tool gives the individual the ability to research solely without having to rely on the mainstream destination spots booked by travel agencies or travel sites.

This technology could not only be used for general translation purposes but could also be utilized to promote business aspects as well. Adding a tool to a web page that allows translations of 51 languages could greatly expand business prospects. Along with this expansion, it removes barriers that would normally limit an individual to certain sites not pertaining to their native language. Google Translate conveniently offers several options with its technology that allows a reader to feel confident exploring the web in different languages. Check out http://translate.google.com/ for more info.

4 comments:

  1. This would be a cool way to communicate with my Honduran neighbor! Wow! The walls are coming down....

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  2. Good morning AMP OUT! This is great techology, will be wonderful for an over seas mission trip. Notebook translator, hum...

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  3. Thank you for this. My 9th grader is participating in a pen pal program with children all over the world. This is going to come in VERY handy!

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  4. This is great for any company that trades world wide.

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