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Real-time translation could end need to learn languages

Translation - Level 4

New technology could change language learning and communication. Apple's new AirPods Pro 3 earbuds can translate languages in real time. Translations will automatically appear in people's ears and on their screens. This could greatly change the language teaching industry. Instant translation could stop people learning languages. It is an example of how AI is changing jobs. Teachers now fear this might affect their future.

Apple said its earbuds would help people communicate "seamlessly" and overcome language barriers. Users can choose "select languages when messaging or speaking". This is an example of science fiction becoming science fact. Writers have long written about real-time translation tools. The 1979 novel "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" and the Japanese manga "Doraemon" both had novel translation tools.

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Translation - Level 5

New technology could transform language learning and communication. Apple says its AirPods Pro 3 earbuds can translate foreign languages in real time. In addition, conversations will automatically appear on the screens of users' devices. This could have major consequences for the language teaching industry. Instant translation could stop people from spending time and money on learning other languages. The technology is another example of how AI is changing jobs. Many teachers are worried about how real-time translation might affect their future.

Apple said its earbuds would help people communicate "seamlessly". It added the buds would overcome language barriers. The Live Translation feature will help us "across select languages when messaging or speaking". This is an example of science fiction becoming science fact. For decades, writers have written about real-time language translation tools. In the novel "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" there was a fictional "Babel fish". This was put in the ear to translate languages. The Japanese manga character Doraemon used a special jelly to translate any language.

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11 online activities    |    8-page printable   (PDF)

Translation - Level 6

New technology from Apple could transform language learning and global communication. The tech giant says its new AirPods Pro 3 earbuds can translate foreign languages in people's ears in real time. In addition, transcripts of conversations will automatically appear on the screens of users' devices. This could have major repercussions for the language teaching industry. Instant translation could deter people from investing the time and financial outlay required to learn another language. The technology is another example of the impact AI could have on jobs. Many teachers will be concerned about how real-time translation might affect their industry and their future.

Apple wrote on its website that its AirPods Pro 3 would help people communicate "seamlessly" in other languages. It added: "For those moments when a language barrier gets in the way, Live Translation can help users communicate across select languages when messaging or speaking." The technology is another example of science fiction becoming science fact. For the past century, people have foretold novel ways to translate languages in real time. The 1979 novel "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" envisaged a fictional "Babel fish" that is put in one's ear to understand foreign tongues. The Japanese manga and anime character Doraemon used a special jelly to magically translate any language.

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25 online activities    |    27-page printable    |    2-page mini-lesson