Phone Interpretation: Human vs. Google Interpreter
Google announced that it would be introducing text-to-speech translation via google translate for Android in February 2011. It will be launched in English and Spanish, but will soon be available in more languages.
The service consists of a three-step process:
• Speech recognition and conversion into text.
• Automatic text translation.
• Translation converted back to into speech, using a text-to-speech program.
Google makes it clear that service is still in its initial stages of development, and therefore it cannot handle different accents or other contingencies such as background noise or very fast conversations. Its use is limited and the accuracy in not consistent.
Human Telephone Interpreters
Phone interpretation is becoming a less practical option for real-time communication in several languages.
An interpreter is usually:
• a professional.
• Has experience in the field or related areas
• Is helpful to those involved in the interpretation.
• Can answer questions.
• Can express himself/herself clearly in the required languages.
• Can transcribe and record the call if necessary.
The main objective of this service is to communicate the meaning of what each party is saying, in order to achieve the desired goal: effective communication.