Electronic Language Translators

Electronic Language Translators
by John Hinkle
Lets face it, not all of us are linguistically gifted, more often than not we struggle to find the right word in our own native tongue, let alone the correct one in a foreign language. Whilst learning a foreign language is a very rewarding and fulfilling pastime, that has numerous benefits, it requires a great deal of patience, commitment and diligence on the part of the pupil.
When learning different languages, the typical and normal rules regarding punctuation, syntax and grammar as well as pronunciation of certain letters regarding the native language will end up creeping in and interfering with the learning process. It may also be rather drastic to learn an entire language dependent on the circumstances.
One does not need an Oxford languages degree for a holiday weekend in Paris! To quote a now infamous saying: "You don't need to kill a cow, for one hamburger".
Due to the problems and drawbacks just outlined above, a more reasonable solution would be to make use of an electronic dictionary or translator. Such items are making a major impact in all kinds of different business, with international commerce and shipping becoming ever more prevalent, businesses simply do not want to lose out on a potentially lucrative contract due to a language barrier.
Some of the more advanced models actually have a facility whereby the user speaks directly into the dictionary, and the spoken phrases are then automatically interpreted and translated and then directly spoken back to the user to give them feedback. For optimal results, such models also have directly programmed into them a list of commonly spoken and most useful phrases and words, such as phrases for use during an emergency.
For those who are looking for a learning tool and tutoring "electronic buddy" there are language translation tools which can check your progress by a series of games and tests. For example, in vocabulary tests, the electronic dictionary will ask you for the spelling of a word, in which you make use of the keyboard provided to enter your answer. These models also come complete with a set of headphones, not only ensuring a private training session, but means that the dictionary and the training exercises can be effectively achieved anywhere.
For those who have some of impediment such as speech, hearing or sight difficulties, or even dyslexia, different models make alternative provisions so as to better overcome such difficulties and ensure that the training is not compromised.
The vast majority of such electronic dictionaries will also have with them a comprehensive list of definitions, synonyms acronyms as well as the "usage" of terminology, for example if such a word is classed as a technical term, jargon, or even slang. This may sound like a trivial detail, but actually can be rather significant, for example, when using a verb, the word for you required in French has two forms, each dependent on the context. Nous is the more formal version, whereas Vous is the more colloquial term and using vous for a stranger is seen as extremely rude!