What Is Language Translation Software?
Language translation software is the use of computer programming to automatically convert something from one language to another language. There is a wide range of language translation software available, with accuracy typically being a function of price.
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Definition
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According to Dictionary.Com, translation is "the rendering of something into another language." Language translation software accomplishes this task by applying linguistic rules and computer algorithms to the source text.
Benefits
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Translation software is cheaper and faster than manual, or human, translation. Both free and priced translation software are widely available online or at computer and electronics stores. Most reputable translation software developers employ professional linguists to assist in development and maintenance.
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Drawbacks
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Words often have more than one meaning (a situation known in linguistics as disambiguation), and this is especially true in idiomatic or colloquial phrases. Computer software is notoriously poor at understanding the sense of a word from its context. Thus, translation via software lacks the precision of manual translation, and confusing or incomprehensible output is common.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
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When deciding your method of translation, consider the costs against the potential benefits. Choosing the professional-grade option to get the gist of a web page or email is probably overkill; conversely, choosing the non-professional option for an email to a crucial overseas client may kill your career.
Free Software
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A brief list of free-of-charge translation software includes SYSTRAN (which powers Yahoo's Bable Fish), Foreign Desk and Okapi Framework.
Software for Purchase
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Reasonably priced language translation software is offered by Rosetta Stone, Babylon, Ectaco, LingvoSoft and PROMT.
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References
- Photo Credit a neon sign of tea in chinese - learn chinese image by Gary from Fotolia.com
