How to Create an English Translator in Gtalk

Gtalk allows real-time communications and language translation around the world.

Google Talk is an instant-messaging application for voice and text chat. Users of Gtalk download the Google Talk Gadget (software) and may chat with others around the world. Recognizing the global nature of the Internet, Google makes it possible to translate chat messages from certain other languages into English and vice versa. Using these translation bots, you may translate into English or other languages in real time. Fortunately, creating an English translator in Gtalk is as simple as adding a special email address that can automatically translate on the fly.

Things You'll Need

• Google Talk Gadget
• Translation bot
• Internet access

Instructions

1. Download the software from the Google Talk home page. As of the date of publication, the Gtalk software only works for PC computers running at least Windows XP. However, Mac and other users with access to Gmail can use the video and voice plug-in for Gmail and chat from inside the Gmail email account.

2. Log in using your Google account user name and password. If you are new to Google and do not have such an account, then use the "Don't Have an Account?" link in the Gtalk software to create a Google account.

3. Determine the code for the bot that you wish to use. Gtalk translation bots include the following languages and codes: Arabic (ar), English (en), German (de), Greek (el), Spanish (es), French (fr), Italian (it), Japanese (ja), Korean (ko), Dutch (nl), Russian (ru) and Chinese (zh).

4. Determine the complete email address of the bot. For English translators, the bot uses the original language's code plus "2en." For example, the name for a bot that translates Arabic to English would be "ar2en." Reverse it to "en2ar" for translations from English to Arabic. Each bot has a corresponding email address with a name plus the phrase "@bot.talk.google.com." Thus, the email address for the Gtalk translator for Arabic to English is "[e-mail]."

5. Click the "Add" button in the Google Talk software and then enter the correct email address for the English translator that you want to use. Although it is not a real person, the Gtalk system adds the translation bot to your friends list. You can always see your friends list just under the Google Talk logo after logging into the software.

6. Click on the name of the robot in your friends list to open up a chat window. Enter your text in that chat window to send the text to the robot and have it automatically provide an English translation. For example, if you type "madre" in Spanish, the translator will convert it to "mother." You can then copy or write the translated words in the chat windows of friends who need the English or foreign-language translation.

Tips & Warnings

• You may also create an English translator from inside your Gmail account. Above your chat friends list, there is an arrow button that gives various options. Click that button, and choose "Add Contact." Enter the email address for the translation bot in the popup box. You can then use that English translation bot when using the Google Talk Gadget and when sending instant messages on Gmail.

• Do not expect a bot to give perfect translations. These language programs have some shortcomings in translating. They tend to give literal translations that may sound awkward to a native speaker of English or other languages. As such, avoid complex phrases and slang when using a Gtalk translator.

References

• Google Talk: What's New on Google Talk?

Resources

• Google Talk: Home Page