Topic: urgent french fluency question for Matt and Syntax
Anonymous A started this discussion 6 years ago #89,501
I have been offered a job in New Caledonia for a few weeks from the end of August.
How long would it take to learn basic French, do I have enough time, or should I aquire the latest Paperwhite iSpeak Bose translatorizer to use if I actually get there?
Please provide either an eBay or Amazon link to the translatorizer, or to the full immersion, French language school course.
And will I seem more like and international swashbuckling adventurer by having either minimal French, or having an app? Thanks
How long would it take to learn basic French, do I have enough time, or should I aquire the latest Paperwhite iSpeak Bose translatorizer to use if I actually get there?
Please provide either an eBay or Amazon link to the translatorizer, or to the full immersion, French language school course.
And will I seem more like and international swashbuckling adventurer by having either minimal French, or having an app? Thanks
Anonymous A (OP) double-posted this 6 years ago, 10 hours later[^] [v] #1,021,574
Okay okay, this can also be about Sergio's burritos and the burrito shop.
Burrito bump
Burrito bump
Sergio joined in and replied with this 6 years ago, 1 hour later, 12 hours after the original post[^] [v] #1,021,600
Your frozen burrito is ready for pick up at PJ’s Coffee
Anonymous A (OP) replied with this 6 years ago, 1 day later, 1 day after the original post[^] [v] #1,022,164
New Caledonibump
q. joined in and replied with this 6 years ago, 44 minutes later, 1 day after the original post[^] [v] #1,022,191
where the fuck is new caledonia
sounds like a sandwich shop
sounds like a sandwich shop
tteh !MemesToDNA joined in and replied with this 6 years ago, 23 minutes later, 1 day after the original post[^] [v] #1,022,201
Monsieur Indy joined in and replied with this 6 years ago, 18 minutes later, 1 day after the original post[^] [v] #1,022,212
2-3 years of daily learning to master a language.
Anonymous F joined in and replied with this 6 years ago, 58 minutes later, 1 day after the original post[^] [v] #1,022,263
@previous (Monsieur Indy)Fifty bucks and ready to handle Burmese or Sawali or 40 others in seconds.
No charge for IPhone users with the free app.
Anonymous A (OP) replied with this 6 years ago, 59 minutes later, 1 day after the original post[^] [v] #1,022,303
@1,022,212 (Monsieur Indy)
How about an hour or two a day, for a couple of weeks?
@previous (F)
That seems like junk and the reviews reflect it.
@1,022,191 (q.)
Just south of Vanuatu, between NZ and Aussie.
How about an hour or two a day, for a couple of weeks?
@previous (F)
That seems like junk and the reviews reflect it.
@1,022,191 (q.)
Just south of Vanuatu, between NZ and Aussie.
Real Indy joined in and replied with this 6 years ago, 7 minutes later, 1 day after the original post[^] [v] #1,022,305
Anonymous H joined in and replied with this 6 years ago, 5 minutes later, 1 day after the original post[^] [v] #1,022,308
@1,022,303 (A)
Agree it's not top of the line so how about one of these with good reviews
https://www.imore.com/best-language-translation-devices
Best Overall: Birgus Two Way Language Translator $159.99 at Amazon
The Birgus Two Way Language Translator picks up both sides of your conversation and quickly translates multiple languages without a large delay. It is 98 percent accurate when translating 70 different languages, and it will not only speak the translation to you but also display it on the HD touch screen. This allows you to see, save, and remember key phrases and words. Because of this screen, this Birgus language translation device doesn't require you to download an app, but it does need a Wi-Fi connection. It doesn't work with hotel and other public internet services that require a secondary website authorization. However, it will connect to internet hot spots.
This translator includes a volume control button with the highest setting loud enough to clearly hear in a crowd. With a noise-reduction microphone, the Birgus cancels out a lot of background noise so it focuses just on those talking in your conversation. The battery life is pretty decent, too. When fully charged it has enough power to translated for eight hours of continuous use, or last seven days on standby before needing to be recharged.
Pros:
Two-way voice translator
98 percent accurate
70 languages
Displays translated text
No app needed
Cons:
Requires Wi-Fi connection
Won't work with secondary internet authorization
See website for other models
Agree it's not top of the line so how about one of these with good reviews
https://www.imore.com/best-language-translation-devices
Best Overall: Birgus Two Way Language Translator $159.99 at Amazon
The Birgus Two Way Language Translator picks up both sides of your conversation and quickly translates multiple languages without a large delay. It is 98 percent accurate when translating 70 different languages, and it will not only speak the translation to you but also display it on the HD touch screen. This allows you to see, save, and remember key phrases and words. Because of this screen, this Birgus language translation device doesn't require you to download an app, but it does need a Wi-Fi connection. It doesn't work with hotel and other public internet services that require a secondary website authorization. However, it will connect to internet hot spots.
This translator includes a volume control button with the highest setting loud enough to clearly hear in a crowd. With a noise-reduction microphone, the Birgus cancels out a lot of background noise so it focuses just on those talking in your conversation. The battery life is pretty decent, too. When fully charged it has enough power to translated for eight hours of continuous use, or last seven days on standby before needing to be recharged.
Pros:
Two-way voice translator
98 percent accurate
70 languages
Displays translated text
No app needed
Cons:
Requires Wi-Fi connection
Won't work with secondary internet authorization
See website for other models
Anonymous I joined in and replied with this 6 years ago, 3 hours later, 1 day after the original post[^] [v] #1,022,379
@previous (H)
You have no idea about any of these translation devices, and are relying on imore.com for advice? You've got to be kidding me. After all your shitposts about how an app is just as good as a native speaker so therefore you somehow win vs Matt actually speaking a language, and all you have is some shitty website you just googled...
You have no idea about any of these translation devices, and are relying on imore.com for advice? You've got to be kidding me. After all your shitposts about how an app is just as good as a native speaker so therefore you somehow win vs Matt actually speaking a language, and all you have is some shitty website you just googled...
Anonymous E replied with this 6 years ago, 5 minutes later, 1 day after the original post[^] [v] #1,022,380
Anonymous J joined in and replied with this 6 years ago, 11 hours later, 2 days after the original post[^] [v] #1,022,562
@1,022,379 (I)
> just as good as a native speaker
A native speaker may have a 5th grade education. Or have down syndrome.
> just as good as a native speaker
A native speaker may have a 5th grade education. Or have down syndrome.
Anonymous I replied with this 6 years ago, 38 minutes later, 2 days after the original post[^] [v] #1,022,586
Anonymous H replied with this 6 years ago, 16 minutes later, 2 days after the original post[^] [v] #1,022,594
Point is accurately articulated. A machine with the aid of IBM Watson, may end up far more accurate than even a someone who holds a degree in Shakespeare's English.
Even expert trained and degreed language interpreters make errors.
Once upon a time people used horse and buggies or just a horse for transportation. Along came the machine and people may still ride a horse and Mennonites a Horse and buggy.
The company I once worked for and now consult for offers all employes who travel a variety of language translators. Ones I have played with do work but I have only tested them with employees who are from China and Pakistan. Maybe not a fair test because of course They are fluent in their language as well as English but based only on their review of the device it works and based on them speaking to me in their native language the device sure made it easy for me to understand them.
I am betting you have not tried the free App on your Iphone and tested it. Go on and give that App a try - and NO I have not tested that App and only read the reviews of the IBM Watson assisted App - Reviews ROCK - Reviews have almost nada to say negative except for background noise that may trigger a glitch in one word.
Even expert trained and degreed language interpreters make errors.
Once upon a time people used horse and buggies or just a horse for transportation. Along came the machine and people may still ride a horse and Mennonites a Horse and buggy.
The company I once worked for and now consult for offers all employes who travel a variety of language translators. Ones I have played with do work but I have only tested them with employees who are from China and Pakistan. Maybe not a fair test because of course They are fluent in their language as well as English but based only on their review of the device it works and based on them speaking to me in their native language the device sure made it easy for me to understand them.
I am betting you have not tried the free App on your Iphone and tested it. Go on and give that App a try - and NO I have not tested that App and only read the reviews of the IBM Watson assisted App - Reviews ROCK - Reviews have almost nada to say negative except for background noise that may trigger a glitch in one word.
Anonymous E replied with this 6 years ago, 2 minutes later, 2 days after the original post[^] [v] #1,022,596
@previous (H)
Do this little test on your device. Say, "I see a bat." Now tell me whether it says bat the animal, or baseball bat, in the target language.
Do this little test on your device. Say, "I see a bat." Now tell me whether it says bat the animal, or baseball bat, in the target language.
Anonymous H replied with this 6 years ago, 7 minutes later, 2 days after the original post[^] [v] #1,022,600
@previous (E)
You are only pointing out a basic error built into English as a language.
Using Google Translate in voice mode
And selecting French
I see a Bat = Je vois une chauve-souris
In reverse order Je vois une chauve-souris - I see a Bat
Now perhaps someone using this service may come back and ask - The creature or the baseball bat.
Comes down to English is a crappy language unfit for science. Not exactly like Math. OK maybe Fuzzy Math. Wonky Math.
You are only pointing out a basic error built into English as a language.
Using Google Translate in voice mode
And selecting French
I see a Bat = Je vois une chauve-souris
In reverse order Je vois une chauve-souris - I see a Bat
Now perhaps someone using this service may come back and ask - The creature or the baseball bat.
Comes down to English is a crappy language unfit for science. Not exactly like Math. OK maybe Fuzzy Math. Wonky Math.
Anonymous E replied with this 6 years ago, 3 minutes later, 2 days after the original post[^] [v] #1,022,604
@previous (H)
What I am pointing out, is that no computer can possibly ever account for all of the context that is required in ANY language to be understood. All languages are just as precise and imprecise as the others. Chomsky pointed this out in his concept of Universal Grammar. Every language has a way to communicate everything that every other language can: it is the human experience. They all go about it in different ways.
What I am pointing out, is that no computer can possibly ever account for all of the context that is required in ANY language to be understood. All languages are just as precise and imprecise as the others. Chomsky pointed this out in his concept of Universal Grammar. Every language has a way to communicate everything that every other language can: it is the human experience. They all go about it in different ways.
Anonymous H replied with this 6 years ago, 7 minutes later, 2 days after the original post[^] [v] #1,022,612
@previous (E)
All you're saying is people make errors in use of language and people as well. Also there are humans in US who have never viewed the creature known as a Bat. So when they hear bat, they will only reference the sport item.
At least the machine is programed to be aware of both types of bats. Humans NOT so much. So a 2nd question to the Machine will end up with a more accurate answer but the 2nd question to a huge number of humans will not provide any useful information because they grew up vacant of knowledge of the creature - Only a small fraction of US Humans has even viewed the image of a creature Bat.
All you're saying is people make errors in use of language and people as well. Also there are humans in US who have never viewed the creature known as a Bat. So when they hear bat, they will only reference the sport item.
At least the machine is programed to be aware of both types of bats. Humans NOT so much. So a 2nd question to the Machine will end up with a more accurate answer but the 2nd question to a huge number of humans will not provide any useful information because they grew up vacant of knowledge of the creature - Only a small fraction of US Humans has even viewed the image of a creature Bat.
Anonymous E replied with this 6 years ago, 6 minutes later, 2 days after the original post[^] [v] #1,022,619
@previous (H)
And that only demonstrates my point. To people who have no concept of the animal bat, you need to change your language to fit that context, and vice versa. Language is all about context, and it requires a human to understand the context. A computer cannot do that.
And that only demonstrates my point. To people who have no concept of the animal bat, you need to change your language to fit that context, and vice versa. Language is all about context, and it requires a human to understand the context. A computer cannot do that.
Anonymous K joined in and replied with this 6 years ago, 46 seconds later, 2 days after the original post[^] [v] #1,022,624
@1,022,604 (E)
Disagree. Your brain is a highly sophisticated language processing machine. Incredibly complex, yes, but finitely so. Therefore it's only a matter of time 'til somebody figures out how to simulate the "human experience" and understand how the brain works.
Having said this, I do think we're a long way off. Current research into NNs has certainly improved in the last 20 years, but it's still rudimentary when compared to brain function.
Disagree. Your brain is a highly sophisticated language processing machine. Incredibly complex, yes, but finitely so. Therefore it's only a matter of time 'til somebody figures out how to simulate the "human experience" and understand how the brain works.
Having said this, I do think we're a long way off. Current research into NNs has certainly improved in the last 20 years, but it's still rudimentary when compared to brain function.
Anonymous E replied with this 6 years ago, 1 minute later, 2 days after the original post[^] [v] #1,022,627
@previous (K)
Maybe, but I do not see that computers will ever truly imitate sentient observation and thought.
Maybe, but I do not see that computers will ever truly imitate sentient observation and thought.
Anonymous H replied with this 6 years ago, 7 minutes later, 2 days after the original post[^] [v] #1,022,638
@1,022,619 (E)> and it requires a human to understand the context.
You must be unaware - The majority of people in USA have never viewed a Bat the creature. I am well aware of Bats as creatures and even recommended kook give tossing up bread to those that fly over her head. Yet even You and I were unaware of this one in image. Am almost out of time or I wood find out more about it because this one can do something NO Other Creature on Earth can do - Shocking what it can do and will dig deeper into how and why it can.
@1,022,624 (K)
Agree and one day the Machine will surpass human and machines in so many ways already to that when it cums to predicting the weather or in providing connections - Without Machines no human can walk around with device in hand and communicate to You and I via text or verbal connect for any real distance
Anone E argues Language in context yet They are forced to use a machine to even argue their point with me - Without our machines we are forced to live in the dark age.