(VTE) - With the remarkable development of translation technology, language barriers have been significantly reduced, bringing many practical benefits.
However, despite the great support of technology, learning a foreign language directly still has special, irreplaceable value.
Assistive technology overcomes language barriers
Translation platforms have made great strides in recent years thanks to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Apps like Google Translate, Microsoft Translator, iTranslate, or devices like Google Pixel Buds can instantly translate text, voice, or images.
Virtual reality (AR) technology also supports direct translation of signs and documents through the phone camera, which is especially helpful when traveling in countries with difficult-to-learn scripts such as Japanese, Chinese, etc.
One of the outstanding advantages of current translation tools is their instantaneousness and versatility. Users can translate text, chat through smart headphones, or recognize and translate voices.
Virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant not only translate but also provide natural responses, making cross-language communication easier. These features help overcome language barriers, thereby promoting cultural exchange and international business.
Not only does it support daily communication, foreign language translation technology is also an effective learning tool. Students can easily look up documents in many different languages, including rare languages. Applications such as DeepL or Google Translate not only save time but also open up opportunities to research and learn from a rich source of global knowledge.
In addition, technology also helps young people access and enjoy international culture through movies, music, books, etc. This not only enriches their spiritual life but also encourages global thinking - an important factor in the integration period.
Learning a foreign language - irreplaceable value
Although technology brings many conveniences, learning a foreign language directly still has a special value that cannot be replaced by tools. Foreign languages are not only a communication tool but also a cultural bridge, helping to gain a deeper understanding of the customs, habits and ways of thinking of the native people.
Learning a new language also opens up opportunities for rich experiences. For example, when learning Japanese, learners not only learn more about pronunciation and grammar but also absorb the discipline and sophistication in communication of the Japanese people.
Similarly, learning Spanish helps you understand the vibrancy and openness of Latin Americans… These are values that translation tools cannot fully convey.
Another advantage of learning a foreign language is the ability to communicate directly, naturally and more effectively than relying on translation tools. When you use your native language, you create intimacy, trust and sympathy with the other person - something that machines cannot replace.
In many cases, communication through translation tools is prone to misunderstandings due to the lack of ability to grasp context, nuances, and idioms.
While translation technology is getting smarter, it still has significant limitations. Current translation apps rely heavily on existing data, so they sometimes struggle to translate specialized terminology or less common languages.
Additionally, these tools often translate literally, leading to inaccurate or unnatural results when encountering metaphors, idioms, or wordplay.
In addition, translation tools depend on Internet connection and devices. In emergency situations, such as traveling in an area without Internet connection or having a device failure, users will have difficulty if they do not know a foreign language. Therefore, mastering a foreign language is a more sustainable and independent solution.
The role of foreign languages in study and work
In fact, in many professions and fields, the ability to use foreign languages directly is still an important requirement. Especially in fields such as diplomacy, tourism, teaching, or international business, foreign language skills help you stand out and easily get promoted.
In today’s competitive environment, knowing one or more foreign languages is a huge advantage. Foreign languages not only help you access specialized documents but also expand your network of relationships, increasing your chances of working in multinational companies. These are things that translation tools, no matter how advanced, cannot provide.
Learning a foreign language also helps children develop more comprehensively in terms of thinking, emotions and culture. When learning a new language, children not only learn how to communicate but also understand the way of life and thinking of the people who speak that language. This is an important foundation for building empathy and connection with the world.
Although modern technology brings many conveniences, learning a foreign language is still the right choice for self-development. However, that does not mean we should ignore translation tools. Combining foreign language learning and using translation tools intelligently will help optimize the ability to communicate, study and work in the modern world.
Translation tools can help learners quickly look up and get familiar with a new language, but to truly understand and connect deeply, learning a foreign language is still necessary. Technology is just a means, while foreign languages provide opportunities for comprehensive and long-term development.
Xuan Quang
For Children Publication No. 1
Source: https://dansinh.dantri.com.vn/nhan-luc/hoc-ngoai-ngu-co-con-can-thiet-khi-cong-nghe-phien-dich-bung-no-20250115114354723.htm
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