Computer Translator Ready for Testing in Iraq

Posted by Zonk on Friday November 18, 2005 @07:21AM 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)

hrmmm... by danath333 · 2005-11-18 07:33 · Score: 0, Troll

I'd always wanted to know how to say "Get the fuck on the ground or i'll blow your fucking head off." in Arabic.
1. Re:hrmmm... by Darius+Jedburgh · 2005-11-18 07:43 · Score: 0, Troll
  
  English is so crude. Throw a few 'fucks' here and there and you think you've spiced up your language. We're talking Arabic here. You need to at least mention melons, boys, mothers and camels, as well as carnal relations.
Re:Bad idea. by CptPicard · 2005-11-18 08:03 · Score: 0, Troll

I think you've got it the wrong way around completely... or then you're just being naive...

It's more like

GI Joe: "HARHAR!! I 0wn j00 Arab dogz!!1 HOWS THAT FOR 9/11!! OH MAN ITS LIKE GTA!! NOW DROP YOUR PANTS FOR A GOOD ABU GHRAIB ASS RAPE!!"

Translator: "We bring you freedom and democracy! Join us in building a new and better Iraq for you and your people!"

--
I want to play Free Market with a drowning Libertarian.