How Technology Aids Language
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In the past,learning a language could be difficult, if not impossible,
unless you were able to travel to a foreign country or study with a skilled
teacher.But now,with web-based training and software available, learning a
new language is possible for almost anyone with Internet access.Indeed,the
boom in technology has helped millions to speak, read, and write foreign
languages.For example,one popular software program offers training in
more than 30 languages for tourists and businesses alike.In the United States and Canada, experts are working with several Native
American tribes,including the Inuit and Siletz peoples, to help record and
preserve their languages(Banse).Microsoft has also begun translating
its operating system and software programs into several languages.Many tools
are available on the Internet for quick and easy http://translations.In addition,
experts are working on advanced software to translate the subtle meanings
and nuances of different languages.One such program is currently being
used to analyze and translate Twitter feeds from Urdu into English (Joyce).Through technology,dictionaries of diverse
languages can be recorded and preserved online for generations to come.2
Along with teaching language, technology is also being used to
translate languages.These include ones that can be difficult for native
English language speakers to learn,such as Arabic and Urdu.Language activists helped inspire this initiative.