Translation Technology Tools- Unit 4

Image source: www.trainingjournal.com/articles/opinion/
translation-technology-can-it-bridge-language-skills-gap#

This week's Google alerts led me to an article on translation technology. Although it focused more on a business setting, the content greatly relates to technology use for ESL. The beginning of the article really drew me in as they discussed using translation technology to hold a real-time conversation. It mentioned how you can hold a conversation with multiple people who speak different languages through the use of mobile apps and inner ear pieces. This intrigued me because I have used translation apps before but to be able to seamlessly hold a conversation in real-time is impressive. 

However, these translation apps tend to leave out the most important parts of human interaction. When having a conversation, we use tone and inflection to make our points. Also, we often use sayings or phrases that might not translate well on these apps. To remedy this, the article explains how using digital learning programs such as Rosetta Stone will help language learners overcome these obstacles. I use Rosetta Stone to learn Spanish and it is so helpful to hear the translation and practice with virtual tutors. I really believe that practicing with a tutor helps me build fluency while using the correct pronunciation and inflection. Digital language programs give learners the ability to work at their own pace and personalize their learning. Technology today offers us so many different tools when it comes to language learners and is tearing down language barriers.