Handheld Translators

mandiees · 09-14-2008, 07:40 PM

Does anyone have experience using a handheld translation device? Do they work pretty well?

Orrymain · 09-14-2008, 09:16 PM

Nothing of the modern age. I'm not sure how reliable they are. I think you're better off trying to learn the basics of the foreign language that is appropriate for wherever you are.

Florentin · 09-16-2008, 02:45 AM

I guess they could help you say hi or maybe introduce yourself, but that's probably it.

I don't find them very useful, personally.

I think one should NOT visit a country whose language they do not speak, without a guide of some sort.

Lissy · 09-16-2008, 03:55 AM

They are not very useful, I would not rely on a handheld translator for my communication completely. Phrasebooks are a little better, you can learn some useful phrases, but still, if you don't understand what people are saying in response, it won't be of much help.

Florentin · 09-16-2008, 04:32 AM

I think most people know that they can't really 'learn' a new language in just a few hours, with a hand-held guide.

Still, when in vacation mode, people spend the money just for the vacation feeling

just so they may feel more ready for the trip

Lissy · 09-19-2008, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Florentin

I think most people know that they can't really 'learn' a new language in just a few hours, with a hand-held guide.

Still, when in vacation mode, people spend the money just for the vacation feeling

just so they may feel more ready for the trip

They will learn soon enough that they are not. All it takes is asking a simple question and getting a response in the foreign language with which the translator won't help.

Florentin · 09-19-2008, 08:10 PM

one more thing: I don't think it's a good idea to be seen in a foreign country, holding a translator.

That is the equivalent of screaming: "I am a tourist! I don't speak the language! I am lost! Come rob me!"

09-14-2008, 07:40 PM	#1 (permalink)
mandiees Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 193	Handheld Translators Does anyone have experience using a handheld translation device? Do they work pretty well? __________________ http://rcivip.com

09-14-2008, 09:16 PM	#2 (permalink)
Orrymain Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 99	Nothing of the modern age. I'm not sure how reliable they are. I think you're better off trying to learn the basics of the foreign language that is appropriate for wherever you are. __________________ Orry's Orations

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09-16-2008, 02:45 AM	#3 (permalink)
Florentin Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 268	I guess they could help you say hi or maybe introduce yourself, but that's probably it. I don't find them very useful, personally. I think one should NOT visit a country whose language they do not speak, without a guide of some sort.

09-16-2008, 03:55 AM	#4 (permalink)
Lissy Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 111	They are not very useful, I would not rely on a handheld translator for my communication completely. Phrasebooks are a little better, you can learn some useful phrases, but still, if you don't understand what people are saying in response, it won't be of much help.

09-16-2008, 04:32 AM	#5 (permalink)
Florentin Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 268	I think most people know that they can't really 'learn' a new language in just a few hours, with a hand-held guide. Still, when in vacation mode, people spend the money just for the vacation feeling just so they may feel more ready for the trip

09-19-2008, 08:10 PM	#7 (permalink)
Florentin Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 268	one more thing: I don't think it's a good idea to be seen in a foreign country, holding a translator. That is the equivalent of screaming: "I am a tourist! I don't speak the language! I am lost! Come rob me!"