There used to be a time when jobs like translators actually meant a lot, and being able to speak multiple languages was a bankable skill. But with time, a lot of people have really reduced the need for multiple languages. As in, unless you actually live in the area where that language is spoken, do you really have to go through the process of learning it? As in, you can learn about any culture and know everything you want about their traditions, it’s all up to you. But learning their languages is now based on a personal level.
And today, it’s getting easier. You watch videos on social media with auto-generated captions that translate the words to your preferred language. When you browse certain websites, you can easily translate the words to what you want, all with a few clicks of a button. If a comment is made in one language, there is a button to translate it into whatever language you want.
Of course, these measures are not always correct, and many times, the translations could be way off. But they’re not always off. And as a result, without knowing how to speak Mandarin, you can watch and understand a Chinese video or read a Chinese website. You won’t have to learn the language, and the creators won’t have to speak or write in a different language either. What matters most is that the message has been passed. Which is the main reason for communication, right?
I believe one of the most favorite is how it can also bring people together. You can chat with people privately without knowing how to speak their language. It’s a bit more stressful because you’d have to keep switching between apps, but it works. And funny thing, it gets even crazier! There have been technological developments that will make translations in real time.
There are glasses like Rey-Ban Meta that use AI to provide translations in real time, as you’re speaking to people, they capture their voices, automatically detect the language, and then translate it. Trying to make for a more seamless conversation. Even on your phone, the same software is present, where you simply let it listen in on conversations, and it will translate them for you.
Now, is this okay? Well, all this comes with its downsides, of course, because as you noticed, you need technology for you to experience it. You’ll either need to always be with your phone or other devices just to be able to stay in communication, and if you lose them while in a strange place, then you’re cooked!
So maybe yeah, learning the language might also be important, especially if you’d be spending a period of time there. Many times, you don’t have to be fluent, you only have to know enough to make basic requests. No one is asking you to have full conversations in the language, just know the basics so you can get directions, make purchases, and all that.
So while this innovation is good and should be encouraged, it should in no way discourage learning new languages. We already know the benefits it has, especially on the brain, so things like this should be encouraged, not put down.
Well, it’s all good!
