Translating Through The Years
Clients, whether professional or personal, also benefit greatly from these developments. Technology has helped to simplify the translation process – just a few clicks and a client’s document lands in the inbox of their chosen translator, who could be living half way around the world in a completely different time zone, and can be back with them again in a flash.
And if someone has received a short letter or email from a penfriend that is written in a foreign language, and they want to have a general idea what it’s about, the simplest of online translation websites can be a breath of fresh air. It may not be able to handle the same level of complexity as a human being, but a simple ‘copy and paste’ into the box on the screen and that person’s letter suddenly begins to make sense!
The Role Of The Translator
The Concept Of Translation In Science Fiction
Several science fiction series and films have granted their characters a special gift in the form of a universal translator that enables them to understand many languages spoken by the aliens with whom they come into contact. In Farscape, there was the translator microbe, while Doctor Who’s TARDIS is also kitted out with a universal translator that allows the Doctor and his companion to understand and communicate the many alien languages they encounter. Star Trek is another show in which characters benefit from universal translators.
What Other Devices Are Used?
The Use of Real Languages In Fictional Series
The Pitfalls Of The Electronic Translation Device
Some may also lack the level of accuracy to which we have become accustomed when delegating a piece of translation to a trusted translator.
The End Of Language Learning As We Know It?
If someone offered you the chance to be implanted with a universal translator of some kind, would you take it?