Hand-held translation tool breaks language barriers
For U.S. soldiers stationed around the world, as well as police officers within our nation, a portable tool is ensuring that communication is not lost in translation. Thanks to a 5- by 7-in. device, called Phraselator P2, countless phrases can be translated into any pre-programmed language, including Middle Eastern dialects spoken in Iraq. Unlimited users can speak a phrase in English into the device, which instantly replies by saying the appropriate translation. Thousands of phrases, translated in various languages by native linguists, can be stored on a Secure Digital card and loaded into Phraselator. A person can translate and navigate through menus on the device’s LCD touchscreen by using voice commands, push buttons, or a combination of voice and buttons. Phraselator was developed by former U.S. Navy Seal Ace Sarich, who received a government grant to improve language technologies for war fighters. Now available from VoxTec International, Inc. (Annapolis, MD), the device features a rugged housing and components that are reinforced with thermo- plastic elastomers (TPEs). Supplied by GLS Corp. (McHenry, IL), the TPEs fortify products to resist harsh weather, chemicals, and impact.