Overview:

• Translators are programs that convert text written in one language into another language

• Most early translators required a user to paste text into a translator app (ex. Google translate), while newer models (including mobile apps) include translators that display an overlay of translated text over a scanned image. Other types of translators include in-ear translators that offer a machine translation in real time, such as the Pilot and Bluetooth earpieces.

• Translators can support English Language Learners with reading comprehension.

Google Translate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0JQqkKjHZw

Research

Bahri & Mahadi (2016)

• This study investigated the use of mobile devices in the classroom for translation purposes. They conducted a focus group and distributed a questionnaire amongst 26 English <> Persian translation instructors.

• The results suggested that most teachers encourage the use of mobile tools, if they are related to the classroom instruction (ex. Translation tools in language classes).

Levy & Steel (2015)

• This study examined the use of electronic dictionaries amongst 590 language learners in an Australian university.

• The results suggest that there is a wide range of translation apps available, and that many students understand how to use these apps effectively and acknowledge their limitations. Furthermore, the results indicate that students rarely use only one language-learning app, and their language acquisition resources include a battery of other tools and environments for practice and exposure.

Quick Facts

Advantages

• Can be useful for converting small amounts of simple text into a student's first language.

Disadvantages

• Often fail to preserve complex sentence structure, verb conjugation, and grammar during translation.

• Not suitable to directly convert entire texts into

To Consider:

• Does this product include electronic language instruction and/or practice. If so, is the instructional interface navigable, are the sound and image quality sufficient, and is interaction with other users facilitated by the app. With an individual student in mind, consider if the instructions and feedback provided are clear, useful, accurate, and at a level and pace appropriate to the student using them.

• While these techs can help with simple sentence translation, to ensure accurate translation for large or high-urgency documents consult with a professional translator service.