Summary
Traveling in countries where you don’t speak the language can be daunting; however, technology has made the process significantly simpler in recent years. GoTravelDaily highlights the usefulness of Google Translate, which offers Android and iOS apps that aid travelers in navigating everything from menus to text messages, conversations to pronunciation across more than one hundred languages.
Easily Read Menus and Signs
One of Google Translate’s most effective features is its capability to interpret menus and signs using the camera on your phone or tablet. Simply launch the app, tap the camera icon on the main screen, and aim your device at the text you wish to understand.
The app scans the targeted text, detecting words and phrases, allowing you to translate everything or swipe to select just the relevant portion. This feature excels with clear, typed text; for instance, in Taiwan, I regularly used it to decode lengthy Chinese restaurant menus, consistently identifying my meals.
This function currently supports nearly 40 languages, with more being added. Notably, the integration of neural technology enhances accuracy by analyzing entire sentences for context rather than just individual words.
Get a Pronunciation Guide
Mastering pronunciation is just as crucial as knowing the right words in a foreign country. Google Translate aids users by speaking translated words and phrases aloud. You simply type in English, and the app translates and permits you to hear the pronunciation through your phone.
Common languages come with real voice actors for better clarity, whereas less common ones can feature robotic translations that may be challenging to understand.
Have a Basic Conversation
If a simple conversation is in order, Google Translate has you covered. However, it requires patience, as the experience may not feel completely natural. Select your desired language pair, tap the microphone icon, and you will see a screen displaying buttons for each language.
Choose the language you know, speak while the microphone icon is lit, and your words will appear as text and spoken aloud. Tapping the other language button allows the other person to respond, and their message will be translated too. While this may not be ideal for lengthy discussions, it’s effective for basic communication.
Translate That SMS You Don’t Understand
While traveling with a local SIM card, receiving SMS messages in an unfamiliar language from your cellular provider is commonplace. Often, these messages are just advertisements; however, they can also contain critical information regarding voicemails or data limits.
Google Translate includes an SMS Translation feature, allowing you to read recent text messages and select the ones you want to translate. This quick process can help ensure that your phone operates effectively while abroad.
Can’t Type the Words Out? Draw Them Instead
In scenarios where typing is challenging due to accents, diacritics, or non-Latin scripts, you can instead draw the words on your device’s screen. By using your finger to replicate the shapes accurately, you can obtain translations as if typing them, offering a practical alternative in overcoming communication barriers.
