Instant Speech Translation
“Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me.” [1.Corinthians 13:11]
Scientists in Bulgaria claim they have invented an instant translator that will allow people talking on phones in different languages to understand each other. The research team from Rousse, Bulgaria, which also worked out a computer program that translates texts, now claims to have patented the technology that converts words spoken in one language into digital code that can then be immediately interpreted into another language. The scientists claim the translator chip can be inserted into any phone. The project leader told national Bulgarian television: “A person can talk freely on the phone in their mother tongue, and at the other end of the world people can hear the translation of what they say.”
The first instant speech translator was actually just fictional and popularized on a science-fiction TV series. It was called the “Universal Voice Translator.” Mankind in recent decades has worked with the advancement of computer technology to make instant translation of conversations possible. Integrating three software technologies (automatic speech recognition, machine translation, and voice synthesis), newer systems actually have moved beyond “word-for-word” translation to phrases, context, pronunciation, and intonation.
Robert Palmquist was the first to develop and commercialize for public use a speech translation system. He formed SpeechGear in 2001 and has many patents to cover his work. One of the first mobile devices he created translates Japanese to English. There is a growing usage of these devices in medical facilities, schools, police departments, hotels, retail stores, and factories. These systems are usable anywhere people talk! Imagine completely removing the language barrier anytime, anywhere.
Did you know that the Bible teaches that God has had a patent on this technology for thousands of years? In fact, no matter what language we speak, even if we cannot think of the right words, the Holy Spirit can interpret the message of our minds and hearts to the throne of God. Paul writes, “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).
