Portable translation tools, sometimes called pocket translators, have carved out a huge market segment today. These devices are the perfect solution when traveling abroad or attempting to communicate with someone who doesn’t share your language. Many of these handy tools offer additional functions and services too, allowing them to multitask on your behalf. Because translators use machine language translation, however, they have some limitations. If your needs for translation and interpretation are casual and temporary, a portable device may be the answer. If you require more complex or critical translation services, however, these devices can fall short.
Why You May Want a Pocket Translator
The most popular use of portable translators is for international travel, because learning a new language just for a vacation isn’t practical for most people. In the past, you may have packed along your phrase book or foreign language dictionary. Today, these tools are incorporated into handheld translators or smartphone applications. Consumers may also use these devices to help learn a new language, as a companion to other learning materials. Some translators offer a robust set of tools including learning games, flashcards, currency converters or tip calculators. Many translation devices contain multiple language databases as well, taking you through several countries with a single, portable device.
What Portable Translation Devices Can Do
Pocket translators are ideal for interpreting phrases and individual words. Whether the device works by scanning text, voice recognition or simple keyboard input, you can use this tool to read transportation directions, street signs and restaurant menus. They can help keep your finances in order too, with currency conversion and calculation functions that help you avoid overpaying. Some even let you save words and phrases as favorites, allowing you to locate them quickly. Most accept spoken and typed input, but some can use your phone’s camera as an input device for faster results. Speech synthesizing is another popular feature, allowing you to hear how a word or phrase should be pronounced in your target language.
What They Cannot Do (or Do Well)
Translating devices are ideal for negotiating in a foreign country when you don’t have a firm grasp of the language. Generally, however, they simply cannot translate long texts or even paragraphs. Voice recognition devices still have a long way to go as well, even if the TV commercials may seem to indicate otherwise. Speech-to-speech translation algorithms have made great strides in the last decade, but programming them to overcome the diverse dialects that make up most languages is difficult. Likewise, idiomatic words and phrases may present a challenge in context. For example, Americans refer to their dinner bill as the “check.” Trying to find the equivalent word using a pocket translator is likely to provide you with words that mean “verify” or “confirm.”
Although handheld translators work well for travel abroad, they can be problematic if you attempt to use them for business or legal purposes. Machine translation of any kind can be highly unreliable and potentially risky. Verbatim Solutions offers a variety of quick and affordable translation services. Contact them for help with localization and interpretation services whenever your portable translation device isn’t up to the important tasks.
