“Language translation software don’t work,” my friend Rodney said. I found the statement odd, given that I am an avid user of numerous language services software, including learning materials and translation applications. So, I inquired, “Why do you say that?”
As it turns out, my friend had this very old but surprisingly common misconception that machine translators still relied on word-per-word conversions. While he’s right – those kinds of algorithms are terrible for translation – it’s far from the truth.
The reality is, many modern translation software involve processes that are much more complex than a basic database dictionary lookup. If you thought these software-based tools still left out language components such as sentences, paragraph, idioms, syntax and context out of the equation, you’re sadly mistaken.
“But I checked out online translators and they all suck,” you say? Here’s a little secret: online translation tools are usually very different from desktop-based clients. Going web-based has compelled those services to maintain a balance between speed, performance and the sheer number of people accessing their servers. The result are stripped-down algorithms that’s more intent on running fast, rather than providing a complete translation experience.
Offline, however, where the majority of desktop-based translators usually operate, it’s a different story. With solo access to a powerful computer, no sharing processes with multiple users and no bandwidth issues, results you get can vary greatly.
Don’t believe me? Tons of downloadable commercial translators are easily accessible from the web. While most of them will only give you access to a trial version, it’s an avenue worth pursuing. Let’s see how wildly your mind changes once you realize these tools do a lot more than translate single words from one language to another.