Amazon is “seriously” exploring real-time foreign language translation for Alexa. Using the software matriarch, a person can engage in a conversation with someone speaking a foreign language as the virtual assistant translates. Similar to what Google tried with Pixel Buds, many thought Google would beat Amazon out of the gate with this type of technology.
Companies such as Company Secretarial in Malaysia will still provide the valuable and necessary service for a while. Technology just isn’t up to par — yet.
Yahoo! Finance recently reported that Amazon was working to build a robust service and fold it into Alexa, Amazon’s answer to Siri and Cortana. Although Alexa can already translate phrases into Spanish, German, and Italian, Amazon plans to give Alexa a more extensive vocabulary as well as developing a real-time translator. With Alexa, a person could carry on a conversation with someone speaking a foreign language, and Alexa will translate as both people speak.
Google claimed the same skill for Pixel Buds, but users were underwhelmed. Amazon intends to show Google up by making Alexa the service Google planned.
Amazon intends to go a step further than on-the-fly translation. Alexa will navigate not just the language but the culture as well. The examples in the Yahoo! Finance article identify the differences between addressing the father-of-the-bride at a wedding and the master of ceremonies. The speaker’s choice of words, level of formality, and even tone will change for each conversation.
Some experts believe the ambitious ideas are far-fetched as Google has been attempting to do this for a decade with no luck. Google already has Google Translate as a foundation while building new technology superstructures, while Amazon doesn’t.
Although Google’s Pixel Buds didn’t work the way the company intended, that’s not to say Google won’t refine the technology. Google may announce an updated release of Pixel Buds later in 2018, and it could be everything everyone hoped.
Certified Translation Services
While the tech-files wait to see what happens on the translation front between Amazon and Google, the rest of us will have to use a certified translation service to get something reliably moved from one language to another.
The most frequent expectation when looking for certified translation services involves having an official document in need of translation. The truth is some translations have higher stakes than others.
How Does A Regular Translation Differ From A Certified One?
One comes with a stamped certificate to ensure the translation is accurate. Depending on the jurisdiction, the document may have legally binding value and is backed by liability insurance.
According to E-Word Translations, a certified document does not have to be issued by a “certified translator.” In some jurisdictions, any translator may certify a document merely by providing an accompanying certificate. Some jurisdictions require the certificate to be notarized and in others approval by “court-sworn translators” is sufficient.
It is vital for both translators and clients to have an understanding of what is required for the region in which they live.
The Takeaway
Until software advances more, companies such as Company Secretarial in Malaysia will thrive.
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