May 2004 — EduNet

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Lost in Translation: Web Site Enhances Instruction for Non-English Speakers

By William Russell

The Babel Fish site can convert up to 150 words in one translation. It can also translate other Web pages in their entirety by simply typing in a URL and clicking the translate button. For example, my American history students did an Internet report on the Civil War. I navigated my Japanese students to Babel Fish and had them convert Web pages to Japanese, which ultimately allowed them to practice Internet research and learn important information about the war.

Although some translations were pretty rough, I found Babel Fish to be very useful. The site was most useful in translating small amounts of information, like individual words or short sentences, which helped prevent grammatical errors. Nevertheless, it is best to refrain from using slang words and words that have multiple meanings. While Babel Fish is not totally accurate, it d'es provide instructors with enough help to increase understanding and help bridge the language gap.

Being able to communicate with ESL students in both their dominant language and English allows them to translate and process information more efficiently and effectively. Tools like the Babel Fish Translation site give a glimpse of the importance technology holds in education. It also exposes uncharted land where education technology has not yet discovered technology innovations.

Reference

National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). "NCES Fast Facts: Bilingual Education/Limited English Proficient Students." Retrieved 5 Dec. 2003. Online: http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/ display.asp?id=96.

Additional Free Online Translation Resources

  • Free Translation Online
    http://translation2.paralink.com (text translation mode)
    http://webtranslation.paralink.com/urlmode.asp (URL translation mode)
  • WorldLingo Online Translator
    www.worldlingo.com/products_services/worldlingo_translator.html
  • Free-Translator.com
    www.free-translator.com
  • Dictionary.com's Translator
    http://dictionary.reference.com/translate/text.html
  • FreeTranslation.com
    www.freetranslation.com

Cite this Site

William Russell, "Lost in Translation: Web Site Enhances Instruction for Non-English Speakers," T.H.E. Journal, 5/1/2004, http://www.thejournal.com/articles/16769

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