Online Translation Options
The translation process can often be somewhat tedious—sometimes covering a multitude of topics, requiring extensive research and contextual knowledge. Fortunately, the digital revolution triggered the creation of tools, software and resources that helps ease the burden of translation and improve efficiency, consistency and quality. Below is a list of FREE translation tools currently available and easy to use.
[Note: Other programs are freely available online, with many others at a cost.]
Reverso
Key Features:
- Dictionary, Context, Conjugation, and Grammar
- Users can rate the validity of the translation to improve service
- Easy-to-use (Windows) Desktop App
Limitations:
- Supports only 13 languages
- Speech and auto-language detection not available
SpanishDict
Key Features:
- Word-for-Word translations
- Examples of the word/phrase in context
- Serves as a Language learning program
- Dictionary, Verb Conjugation, Vocabulary and Grammar
Limitations:
- Supports only Spanish & English
Google Translate
Key Features:
- Automatic language detection
- Supports various methods of input (voice, keyboard, handwriting)
- Allows user to suggest an “edit” to
- Words highlighted in “Input Box” shows definitions
Limitations:
- Known to deliver considerably wrong translations
- Limited to 5,000 characters
Yandex
Key Features:
- Ability to translate images and websites
- Allows side-by-side comparison of website translations
- Add translations to a list of “Favorites”
- Ability to “Share” translations
- Supports input up to 10,000 characters
Limitations:
- photo translator only accepts “uploaded’ images, not those online