A Word on translators for speaking spanish or creating spanish lesson plans

I'm sure by now you've used or at least wondered if there is a magic translator that you can use to do all the work for you... Well, it depends on

(A) Do you want to look like a confused tourist? or

(B) Do you want to embarrass yourself and have people laugh at you when you turn your back?

Which are you? A or B ?


Pros for Spanish Language Translator:

• Sure, translators are simple and easy to use.
• If you plan to teach then perhaps they will be helpful for creating simple lesson plans.
• If your on vacation it might help you figure out that missing word.
• Most free translators don't just translate to Spanish. They translate many languages. But why should you care if your in Spain? :)
  

Cons for Spanish Language Translator:

OK so look, I'm going to be blunt about it. I dislike the use of translators unless I'm in an absolute dire need or as a last resort. But let's take an online translator for example, I wont mention any names here, to help see my point.

• I find if you using only one word, you've got about a 70% chance of translating it properly. When you try sentences, the problem is that the translator does not do a "human translation" well. Most of the time you will get ridiculous grammatical errors and most definitely the wrong or "similar" Spanish word.
• I tried to translate "I'm good. Thank you. How are you today?". So I translated to, and from, and it returned as "I better. thank you. today You are?" Now this might be ok for some of you. However. When I took it a step further It went like this "do you have the time? I'm late and lost. I don't know where city hall is. Can you help me?" became "time can be? I'm after. I do not city room. I'm your Will aid?
  

Ok, so I hope you see the point a bit better. But now your wondering...

...where can you get these magical translator programs? There are many FREE websites such as Babelfish and Worldlingo. If you have your computer with you in your travels, you can download translator programs to use on the fly, no Internet access needed. If let's say you absolutely needed to get a translator and make it as portable as possible, buy yourself a "Pocket PC" (and yes they can be quite expensive so try Ebay). You will of course have to buy a translator program as well, but thankfully it's only a couple of dollars. I have an Ipaq and it works wonders for other things. As for translators, Ok, I ADMIT IT! I do have a translator program on my pocket PC but I don't use it.


The Solution?

So if your thinking "well what do i do then?" I'll guide you. Spanish lesson plans! Plan to learn Spanish. It doesn't take long to learn Spanish. If your serious you can try Rocket Spanish. STOP! I'm not trying to sell you anything. Scroll to the bottom that page and try the FREE 6 day course. If your impressed, spend the few dollars to download it all. If not, at least you can see what your up against and you can delete it and move on.

And Another Thing

Remember, don't waste your time with translators when traveling. How good would a translator be if you were in some sort of accident, your translator broken, and you can't move because you were in a car wreck? Not to scare you, but accidents do happen.

Ok enough of my rant today :) Get those Spanish lesson plans in action!