RE: [Fwd: auto-translation]

I feel a bit confused about this discussion. I have always understood the
fact that children do not understand each others languages as one of the
most interesting challenges in this project, and also the main argument for
developing these new "language-independent" tools (dynamic models) for
children to communicate through.

The models that students create could (and should) in themselves be highly
communicative and interesting for students to share. Look for instance at
how the games in the playground project evolved as a direct result from
exchanging the projects across nations. As I understood it did the fact that
children could not describe their projects in words mean that the design
process got more focused on the actual workings of the projects. Knowing
that people will not be able to read your instructions can be a wonderful
reason for being more explicit in your design. Hence, language differencies
may actually enrich the process, and may not only have to be something to
try and get rid of.

However, I agree that it could be good to introduce some "language
independent" way for students to give feedback on each others projects. A
simple interface with pre-phrased comments such as: "I really like your
project", "I think I saw a bug", "I did't understand", etc might be enough
for this purpose? The producer of the project gets these comments (and
perhaps a modified version of his/her project) and the project continues to
evolve based on this.

My opinnion is that meanings always change when translating texts (whether
the translator is a teacher or a computer).

/ylva

> -----Original Message-----
> From: webreports-uedesign-admin-5NWGOfrQmneRv+LV9MX5uipxlwaOVQ5f@public.gmane.org
> [mailto:webreports-uedesign-admin-5NWGOfrQmneRv+LV9MX5uipxlwaOVQ5f@public.gmane.org]On Behalf Of
> Yishay Mor
> Sent: den 14 januari 2004 11:47
> To: WebReports
> Subject: [Webreports-uedesign] [Fwd: auto-translation]
>
>
> Jesper suggested we open this issue up for everyone to comment on.
>
> In a nutshell, I suggested that there will be some kind of control on
> each page, which would send it to be translated by an automatic service,
> such as google or bablefish.
> My suggestion was primarily based on the fact that I use these services
> daily to read webreports written in other languages.
>
> Jesper doubted the quality of the translation, and thought that not
> linking to a service is better than linking to one that makes us look bad.
>
> - Yishay
>
> -------- Original Message --------
> Subject: 	auto-translation
> Date: 	Tue, 13 Jan 2004 11:20:10 +0000
> From: 	Yishay Mor <yishaym-pAvbn/[email protected]>
> Reply-To: 	y.mor-xaKI+XbQf9Vaa/[email protected]
> To: 	Jesper Holmberg <jesperh-auIyqT/[email protected]>
> CC: 	Gordon Simpson <g.simpson-xaKI+XbQf9Vaa/[email protected]>
>
>
>
> Hi,
>
> We want to start having kids comment on each other's reports. Since
> everyone writes in their native languages, this means we need
> translation. The number of reports is already so large that manual
> translation of personal reports is not an option. IMHO, having a link to
> a translation service is the least of possible evils. For short reports
> it actually can be useful (I've tried it several times).
>
> How much of an issue is it to add a translation box, say, under the
> favourites? I think http://babelfish.altavista.com have a javascript
> snippet you simply cut & paste..
>
> best,
>
> - Yishay
>
> --
> **********************************************************************
> Yishay Mor
>
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> --
> **********************************************************************
> Yishay Mor
>
> http://ioewebserver.ioe.ac.uk/ioe/cms/get.asp?cid=4381&4381_0=7303
> 	   y.mor-xaKI+XbQf9Vaa/[email protected]  Ph +44(0)20 7612 6963 F +44(0)20 7612 6964
> 	   AIM,Yahoo: yishaym; Jabber: yishaym-/[email protected]; ICQ: 179772099
>
> 	   If this helped you, please take the time to rate the
> value of this post:
> 	   http://svcs.affero.net/rm.php?r=yishaym
> **********************************************************************
> celebrating 100 years of excellence in education
> 		www.ioe.ac.uk/centenary
>
>
>
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