Language translation tools

Economically and politically we're getting closer and closer to continental Europe by the month. The same trend is apparent at a global level too.

Yet there are still so many languages in use, all presenting obstacles to effective communication with markets beyond these shores.

Despite so many people now having English as a second or third language, we natives increasingly need to write or speak in another language. Small UK businesses with no modern foreign language skills will find themselves at an increasing disadvantage. Now is the time for them to consider the development of language skills.

In terms of its effectiveness and long-lasting value, nothing gets close as a substitute for actually learning modern foreign languages, whether at school or later. There are many software packages for the PC which can help you learn a language such as French, German, Italian or Spanish, and we'll explore that topic on another occasion. But sometimes a useful alternative is translation. Increasingly important for business, particularly within the European Union, PC language translation software (or Computer Assisted Translation) can help you to translate virtually anything, from phrases and letters to brochures, technical documents and even Web pages.

The scores of products available vary widely in cost, quality and accuracy.

A useful source of over 50 programs is listed on Rivendell Communication's site at rivendel.com/~ric/resources/ mt.html. Some handle just one language in one direction only, while others translate to and from multiple languages.

For example, Language Force's Universal Translator Deluxe can translate 33 different languages in any direction, including some that the average home user probably won't need too often, such as Turkish to Vietnamese and Chinese to German.

They're simple to use. Typically you just enter your text into a source window, choose the language if there are any options, click the Translate button, and the results appear quickly in a target window.

Or you can open an entire file and translate the whole thing at once.

Further versatility comes through using the Windows clipboard to copy and paste text both before or after translation. So the better programs can be used within most of your Windows applications, including your word processor and e-mail programs. Products such as Easy Translator also translate pages viewed in your Internet browser, retaining their format, pictures and links.

Don't expect too much in terms of accuracy though. We tried a sample paragraph of six fairly straightforward sentences: We can deliver your order within one day. She had a nice day at the zoo. I have lived in this town for ten years. Do you have any brothers or sisters? Would you like a cup of coffee? Have a nice day! Performance was mixed. Programs which are essentially based on dictionary look-up gave fast but inaccurate results.

Thus, the online version of InterTran from Translation Experts at www.tranexp.com/ delivered the dreadful French translation: Nous (can) remettre votre ordre a l'interieur de une journee. Elle eu une sympathique journee a les zoo.

J'ai vivions dans ce ville pour dix annees. Avez-vous tout freres ou soeur?

It seems fair to expect these programs to be able to translate back to something reasonably close to the original, but InterTran produced: Her had a congenial day at the zoo. Ourselves (can) commit your command at (linterieur)' any a day. (Jai)' lived in this borough for ten years. Do you have all brethren or sister?

In contrast, the better programs make respectable attempts to consider context and grammar. For instance, Easy Translator from UK distributor Interactive Ideas (0181 805 1000) delivered the following much more worthy result: Nous pouvons livrer votre ordre dans un jour. Elle a eu un jour agreable au zoo. J'ai habite dans cette ville pour dix annees. Est-ce que vous avez des freres ou des soeurs? Est-ce que vous aimeriez une tasse de cafe? Avoir un jour agreable!

Some other UK language translation suppliers are Lernout & Hauspie (0800 056039) and Creative Technology (01889 567160). But the Web is the most prolific source, and has the advantage of letting you download trial versions before handing over votre argent.

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