Now do this put-the-text-back-together activity.
This is the text (if you need help).
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.
- What's the name of the Apple tool?
- Where will transcripts of the translations appear?
- What kind of repercussions could the tool have for language teaching?
- What could the tool stop people doing?
- What are language teachers worried about?
- What did Apple say might get in the way of communication?
- What does the article say science fiction has become?
- When was "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" written?
- What allowed people to understand "foreign tongues" in the book?
- What did a Japanese manga character use to translate languages?
Back to the real-time translation lesson.
