Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Computer Translator Ready for Testing in Iraq

Posted by Zonk on from the real-life-applications-for-max-headroom dept.

cgibby98 wrote to mention a Wired News story about a battle-zone translation technology that may allow near real-time conversations between English and Arabic speakers. From the article: "Funded by Darpa, the system would allow troops to communicate in Arabic through a laptop computer equipped with voice recognition and translation software. Troops could speak in English and have their words instantly translated into Iraqi Arabic, 'spoken' by a computerized man's voice. The program also translates Arabic into English. Will it replace the need for an interpreter when you're having some sort of high-level conversation? Absolutely not. But it is absolutely to the point where it could be useful in some carefully chosen situations."

3 of 350 comments (clear)

  1. In Sunni-controlled Iraq... by geekpuppySEA · · Score: 5, Funny

    Language butchers YOU!

    --
    Intelligent Design: because MATH is HARD.
  2. Bad idea. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Trusting a computer to do real-time translation in a volatile, war-torn region...

    English: "We applaud the creation of your new constitution and are preparing to pull our troops out of the country so that the rebuilding process can begin."
    Arabic: "All your base are belong to us."

  3. I've tried out the online demo and it's sweet! by Rude+Turnip · · Score: 5, Funny

    I tried out the online demo that works through the web browser. I wondered what "I hope the weather is clement when you arive" would translate into. You get:

    "durka durka mohammed jihad durka durka"

    Super!

    --
    Bill Clinton: Pimp we can believe in. - The Shirt!!!