The Reading / Listening - 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.

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

    Translation - Level 4  or  Translation - Level 5

Sources
  • https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/09/new-apple-intelligence-features-are-available-today/
  • https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20251001-how-real-time-translation-could-transform-travel
  • https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/airpods-pro-3-can-live-translate-conversations-in-your-ear/


Make sure you try all of the online activities for this reading and listening - There are dictations, multiple choice activities, drag and drop activities, sentence jumbles, which word activities, text reconstructions, spelling, gap fills and a whole lot more. Please enjoy :-)

Warm-ups

1. REAL-TIME TRANSLATION: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about real-time translation. Change partners often and share your findings.
2. CHAT: In pairs / groups, talk about these topics or words from the article. What will the article say about them? What can you say about these words and your life?
       new technology / language learning / Apple / foreign languages / devices / translation
       communicate / language barrier / messaging / speaking / science fiction / anime
Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.
3. ONE LANGUAGE: Students A strongly believe there should only be one language in the world; Students B strongly believe the opposite. Change partners again and talk about your conversations.
4. AI: How might AI change these areas? Is this good or bad? Why? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

 

How?

Good/Bad?

Why?

Teaching

 

 

 

Customer service

 

 

 

Taxis

 

 

 

Law

 

 

 

The military

 

 

 

Healthcare

 

 

 
MY e-BOOK
ESL resource book with copiable worksheets and handouts - 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers / English teachers
See a sample

5. GLOBAL: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word "global". Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.
6. LANGUAGE LEARNING: Rank these with your partner. Put the best ways to learn a language at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

  • AI chatbots
  • YouTube videos
  • Grammar books
  • Songs
  • English schools
  • Reading novels
  • Study every day
  • Vocabulary apps

 

Vocabulary

    Paragraph 1

      1. transform a. Change something into something different.
      2. transcripts b. The amount of money spent on something.
      3. devices c. Written copies of spoken words or school records.
      4. repercussions d. Stop someone from doing something.
      5. deter e. Machines or tools made for a special use.
      6. outlay f. Bad results that happen because of an action.
      7. impact (noun) g. A strong effect or influence.

    Paragraph 2

      8. seamlessly h. New and different from what was known before.
      9. barrier i. Said that something would happen in the future.
      10. select (adjective) j. Smoothly, with no breaks or problems.
      11. foretold k. Thought about something that might happen in the future.
      12. novel (adjective) l. Something that stops people or things from moving or working.
      13. envisaged m. Languages from other countries.
      14. foreign tongues n. Chosen as the best or most special.

 

Before reading / listening

1. TRUE / FALSE: Read the headline. Guess if 1-8 below are true (T) or false (F).

  1. The article said Apple made new headphones that translate languages.    T / F
  2. The new translation tool only translates the spoken word.     T / F
  3. The English language teaching industry welcomed the new tool.     T / F
  4. Many English teachers are worried about their futures.     T / F
  5. Apples new translation technology could enable perfect communication.   T / F
  6. The new tool is an example of science fiction becoming science fact.     T / F
  7. A 1979 book described a translation fish that is put in the ear.     T / F
  8. A Japanese manga character uses a cookie to translate languages.     T / F

2. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article.

  1. transform
  2. transcripts
  3. devices
  4. outlay
  5. affect
  6. seamlessly
  7. fact
  8. foretold
  9. fictional
  10. foreign
  1. reality
  2. expenditure
  3. predicted
  4. gadgets
  5. imaginary
  6. alter
  7. flawlessly
  8. written versions
  9. overseas
  10. impact

3. PHRASE MATCH: (Sometimes more than one choice is possible.)

  1. transform language learning and
  2. conversations will automatically appear
  3. This could have major
  4. another example of the impact AI
  5. how real-time translation might
  6. help people communicate
  7. when a language
  8. science fiction becoming
  9. understand foreign
  10. a special jelly to magically
  1. repercussions
  2. science fact
  3. "seamlessly"
  4. on the screens
  5. translate any language
  6. could have on jobs
  7. global communication
  8. tongues
  9. affect their industry
  10. barrier gets in the way

Gap fill

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.
transcripts
deter
concerned
major
industry
transform
giant
impact

New technology from Apple could (1) _________________________________ language learning and global communication. The tech (2) _________________________________ says its new AirPods Pro 3 earbuds can translate foreign languages in people's ears in real time. In addition, (3) _________________________________ of conversations will automatically appear on the screens of users' devices. This could have (4) _________________________________ repercussions for the language teaching industry. Instant translation could (5) _________________________________ people from investing the time and financial outlay required to learn another language. The technology is another example of the (6) _________________________________ AI could have on jobs. Many teachers will be (7) _________________________________ about how real-time translation might affect their (8) _________________________________ and their future.

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.
tongues
barrier
fiction
seamlessly
special
novel
select
foretold

Apple wrote on its website that its AirPods Pro 3 would help people communicate "(9) _________________________________" in other languages. It added: "For those moments when a language (10) _________________________________ gets in the way, Live Translation can help users communicate across (11) _________________________________ languages when messaging or speaking." The technology is another example of science (12) _________________________________ becoming science fact. For the past century, people have (13) _________________________________ novel ways to translate languages in real time. The 1979 (14) _________________________________ "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" envisaged a fictional "Babel fish" that is put in one's ear to understand foreign (15) _________________________________. The Japanese manga and anime character Doraemon used a (16) _________________________________ jelly to magically translate any language.

Listening — Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1)  technology from Apple could transform language learning ______
     a.  and globally communication
     b.  end global communication
     c.  and global communication
     d.  and global communicative
2)  transcripts of conversations will automatically appear on the screens ______
     a.  of users' device
     b.  of usage devices
     c.  off users' devices
     d.  of users' devices
3)  repercussions for the language teaching industry. Instant translation ______
     a.  could deter people
     b.  could defer people
     c.  could ditto people
     d.  could dieter people
4)  The technology is another example of the impact AI could ______
     a.  have in jobs
     b.  have on jobs
     c.  having jobs
     d.  have off jobs
5)  concerned about how real-time translation might ______
     a.  affect there industry
     b.  effect their industry
     c.  affect their industrial
     d.  affect their industry

6)  Apple wrote on its website that its AirPods Pro 3 would help ______
     a.  people communicate seamlessly
     b.  people communicate seem less lea
     c.  people communicate seem messily
     d.  people communicate sea messily
7)  For those moments when a language barrier gets ______
     a.  in their way
     b.  in the way
     c.  in the weight
     d.  in the whey
8)  The technology is another example of science fiction ______
     a.  becoming science factual
     b.  becoming sciences fact
     c.  becoming science fact
     d.  becoming science pact
9)  For the past century, people have ______
     a.  foretold novel ways
     b.  foretold novella ways
     c.  foretold novel weighs
     d.  fort told novel ways
10)  envisaged a fictional "Babel fish" that is put in one's ear to ______
     a.  understand foreign tongs
     b.  understand foreign tongue
     c.  understands foreign tongues
     d.  understand foreign tongues

Listening — Listen and fill in the gaps

New technology from Apple could transform language learning and global communication. The (1) _______________________________________________ its new AirPods Pro 3 earbuds can translate foreign languages in people's ears (2) _______________________________________________. In addition, transcripts of conversations will automatically appear on the screens (3) _______________________________________________. This could have major repercussions for the language teaching industry. Instant translation could (4) _______________________________________________ investing the time and financial outlay required to learn another language. The technology is another example (5) _______________________________________________ AI could have on jobs. Many teachers will be concerned about how real-time translation (6) _______________________________________________ industry and their future.

Apple wrote on its website that its AirPods Pro 3 would help people communicate (7) _______________________________________________ languages. It added: "For those moments when a language (8) _______________________________________________ the way, Live Translation can help users communicate (9) _____________________________________________ when messaging or speaking." The technology is another example of science fiction (10) _______________________________________________. 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" (11) _______________________________________________ "Babel fish" that is put in one's ear to understand foreign tongues. The Japanese manga and anime character Doraemon used a special (12) _______________________________________________ translate any language.

Comprehension questions

  1. What's the name of the Apple tool?
  2. Where will transcripts of the translations appear?
  3. What kind of repercussions could the tool have for language teaching?
  4. What could the tool stop people doing?
  5. What are language teachers worried about?
  6. What did Apple say might get in the way of communication?
  7. What does the article say science fiction has become?
  8. When was "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" written?
  9. What allowed people to understand "foreign tongues" in the book?
  10. What did a Japanese manga character use to translate languages?

Multiple choice quiz

1) What's the name of the Apple tool?
a) Real-time Speak
b) Translation Plus
c) AirPods Pro 3 earbuds
d) One World Language
2) Where will transcripts of the translations appear?
a) on the screens of users' devices
b) on social media sites
c) on the Apple website
d) in users' mail accounts
3) What kind of repercussions could the tool have for language teaching?
a) political repercussions
b) far-reaching repercussions
c) unforeseen repercussions
d) major repercussions
4) What could the tool stop people doing?
a) talking to each other
b) learning another language
c) using their smartphone
d) reading
5) What are language teachers worried about?
a) mistakes
b) the translation of idioms
c) their industry and their future
d) hearing loss

6) What did Apple say might get in the way of communication?
a) the price
b) language barriers
c) the geo-political situation
d) changing language
7) What does the article say science fiction has become?
a) like real life
b) a little bit boring
c) very exciting
d) science fact
8) When was "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" written?
a) 1980
b) 1979
c) 1978
d) 1977
9) What allowed people to understand "foreign tongues" in the book?
a) a "Babel fish"
b) electricity in the air
c) a magic book
d) a language cap
10) What did a Japanese manga character use to translate languages?
a) special glasses
b) a go-anywhere door
c) a bamboo helicopter blade
d) a special jelly

Role play

Role  A – AI Chatbots
You think AI chatbots are the best way to learn English. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their ways. Also, tell the others which is the least effective of these (and why): YouTube videos, grammar books or going to English school.

Role  B – YouTube Videos
You think YouTube videos are the best way to learn English. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their ways. Also, tell the others which is the least effective of these (and why): AI chatbots, grammar books or going to English school.

Role  C – Grammar Books
You think grammar books are the best way to learn English. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their ways. Also, tell the others which is the least effective of these (and why): YouTube videos, AI chatbots or going to English school.

Role  D – Going to English School
You think going to English school are the best way to learn English. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their ways. Also, tell the others which is the least effective of these (and why): YouTube videos, grammar books or AI chatbots.

After reading / listening

1. WORD SEARCH: Look in your dictionary / computer to find collocates, other meanings, information, synonyms … for the words...

'translation'

  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________

    • and 'language'.

  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________

    • • Share your findings with your partners.

    • Make questions using the words you found.

    • Ask your partner / group your questions.

    2. ARTICLE QUESTIONS: Look back at the article and write down some questions you would like to ask the class about the text.

    •Share your questions with other classmates / groups. •Ask your partner / group your questions.

    3. GAP FILL: In pairs / groups, compare your answers to this exercise. Check your answers. Talk about the words from the activity. Were they new, interesting, worth learning…?

    4. VOCABULARY: Circle any words you do not understand. In groups, pool unknown words and use dictionaries to find their meanings.

    5. TEST EACH OTHER: Look at the words below. With your partner, try to recall how they were used in the text:

    • transform
    • giant
    • addition
    • deter
    • example
    • future
    • website
    • moments
    • select
    • fact
    • 1979
    • special

    Student survey

    Write five GOOD questions about this topic in the table. Do this in pairs. Each student must write the questions on his / her own paper. When you have finished, interview other students. Write down their answers.

    (Please look at page 12 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

    Discussion - Translation

    STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

    1. What did you think when you read the headline?
    2. What images are in your mind when you hear the word 'translation'?
    3. What do you think of language learning?
    4. What languages would you really like to learn?
    5. How can technology aid language learning?
    6. What do you think of real-time translation?
    7. Would you stop learning English with real-time translation?
    8. Which is better, learning English with a teacher or with AI?
    9. How would real-time translation change your life?
    10. What advice do you have for English teachers?

    STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

    1. Did you like reading this article? Why/not?
    2. What do you think of when you hear the word 'language'?
    3. What do you think about what you read?
    4. Why are you studying English?
    5. When have you experienced a language barrier?
    6. What do you think of science fiction becoming science fact?
    7. What impact will real-time translation have on the world?
    8. What impact will real-time translation have on tourism?
    9. What do you think of the idea of just one global language?
    10. What questions would you like to ask a language teacher?

    Discussion — Write your own questions

    STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

    (a) ________________

    (b) ________________

    (c) ________________

    (d) ________________

    (e) ________________

    STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

    (f) ________________

    (g) ________________

    (h) ________________

    (i) ________________

    (j) ________________

    Language — Cloze (Gap-fill)

    New technology from Apple could transform language learning and (1) ____ communication. The tech (2) ____ says its new AirPods Pro 3 earbuds can translate foreign languages in people's ears (3) ____ real time. In addition, transcripts of conversations will automatically appear on the screens of users' devices. This could have major (4) ____ for the language teaching industry. Instant translation could deter people from investing the time and financial (5) ____ 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 (6) ____ their industry and their future.

    Apple wrote on its website that its AirPods Pro 3 would help people communicate "seamlessly" (7) ____ other languages. It added: "For those moments when a language barrier gets in the (8) ____, Live Translation can help users communicate across select languages when messaging or speaking." The technology is another example of science fiction (9) ____ science fact. For the past century, people have foretold (10) ____ 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 (11) ____. The Japanese manga and anime character Doraemon used a special jelly to (12) ____ translate any language.

    Which of these words go in the above text?

    1. (a)     globe     (b)     globally     (c)     globalize     (d)     global    
    2. (a)     giant-sized     (b)     gigantic     (c)     giantlike     (d)     giant    
    3. (a)     at     (b)     in     (c)     of     (d)     by    
    4. (a)     percussion     (b)     percussive     (c)     repercussions     (d)     repertoire    
    5. (a)     outlay     (b)     slay     (c)     inlay     (d)     layer    
    6. (a)     affect     (b)     infect     (c)     effect     (d)     confect    
    7. (a)     in     (b)     at     (c)     of     (d)     in    
    8. (a)     way     (b)     limit     (c)     up     (d)     ear    
    9. (a)     realizing     (b)     becoming     (c)     having     (d)     doing    
    10. (a)     story     (b)     book     (c)     novel     (d)     tale    
    11. (a)     mouths     (b)     lips     (c)     tongues     (d)     tonsils    
    12. (a)     fantasy     (b)     magically     (c)     mystically     (d)     supernatural

    Spelling

    Paragraph 1

    1. rsritcptans of conversations
    2. appear on the screens of users' vedseci
    3. This could have major pinoreussresc
    4. dtere people from investing
    5. the time and financial ultayo required
    6. translation might affect their uydtrsni

    Paragraph 2

    1. communicate ysssemaell in other languages
    2. a language ibrearr
    3. people have edltoorf novel ways
    4. vegseiadn a fictional "Babel fish"
    5. understand foreign gtsoneu
    6. used a special jelly to aigyalmlc translate

    Put the text back together

    (    )     addition, transcripts of conversations will automatically appear on the screens of users' devices. This could have major
    (    )     Apple wrote on its website that its AirPods Pro 3 would help people communicate "seamlessly"
    (    )     century, people have foretold novel ways to translate languages in real time. The 1979 novel "The Hitchhiker's Guide
    (    )     giant says its new AirPods Pro 3 earbuds can translate foreign languages in people's ears in real time. In
    (    )     how real-time translation might affect their industry and their future.
    (    )     in other languages. It added: "For those moments when a language barrier gets in the
    (  1  )    New technology from Apple could transform language learning and global communication. The tech
    (    )   of the impact AI could have on jobs. Many teachers will be concerned about
    (    )     or speaking." The technology is another example of science fiction becoming science fact. For the past
    (    )     people from investing the time and financial outlay required to learn another language. The technology is another example
    (    )     repercussions for the language teaching industry. Instant translation could deter
    (    )     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.
    (    )     way, Live Translation can help users communicate across select languages when messaging

    Put the words in the right order

    1. technology   New  Apple   from   transform  could   learning  language  .
    2. Transcripts  conversations  of  automatically  will  on  appear  screens  .
    3. people   Deter   investing   from   the   in   outlay   financial   .
    4. The   AI   impact   have   could   teaching   on   jobs   .
    5. real-time   How   might   translation   their   affect   industry   .
    6. people   Help   seamlessly   communicate   other   in   languages   .
    7. a   When   barrier   language   in   gets   way   the   .
    8. Another   of   example   fiction   science   science   becoming   fact   .
    9. have   People   novel   foretold   to   ways   languages   translate   .
    10. A   jelly   special   magically   to   any   translate   language   .

    Circle the correct word (20 pairs)

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

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

    Talk about the connection between each pair of words in italics, and why the correct word is correct. Look up the definition of new words.

    Insert the vowels (a, e, i, o, u)

    N_w  t_chn_l_gy  fr_m  _ppl_  c__ld  tr_nsf_rm  l_ng__g_  l__rn_ng  _nd  gl_b_l  c_mm_n_c_t__n.  Th_  t_ch  g__nt  s_ys  _ts  n_w  __rP_ds  Pr_  3  __rb_ds  c_n  tr_nsl_t_  f_r__gn  l_ng__g_s  _n  p__pl_'s  __rs  _n  r__l  t_m_.  _n  _dd_t__n,  tr_nscr_pts  _f  c_nv_rs_t__ns  w_ll  __t_m_t_c_lly  _pp__r  _n  th_  scr__ns  _f  _s_rs'  d_v_c_s.  Th_s  c__ld  h_v_  m_j_r  r_p_rc_ss__ns  f_r  th_  l_ng__g_  t__ch_ng  _nd_stry.  _nst_nt  tr_nsl_t__n  c__ld  d_t_r  p__pl_  fr_m  _nv_st_ng  th_  t_m_  _nd  f_n_nc__l  __tl_y  r_q__r_d  t_  l__rn  _n_th_r  l_ng__g_.  Th_  t_chn_l_gy  _s  _n_th_r  _x_mpl_  _f  th_  _mp_ct  __  c__ld  h_v_  _n  j_bs.  M_ny  t__ch_rs  w_ll  b_  c_nc_rn_d  _b__t  h_w  r__l-t_m_  tr_nsl_t__n  m_ght  _ff_ct  th__r  _nd_stry  _nd  th__r  f_t_r_.

    _ppl_  wr_t_  _n  _ts  w_bs_t_  th_t  _ts  __rP_ds  Pr_  3  w__ld  h_lp  p__pl_  c_mm_n_c_t_  "s__ml_ssly"  _n  _th_r  l_ng__g_s.  _t  _dd_d:  "F_r  th_s_  m_m_nts  wh_n  _  l_ng__g_  b_rr__r  g_ts  _n  th_  w_y,  L_v_  Tr_nsl_t__n  c_n  h_lp  _s_rs  c_mm_n_c_t_  _cr_ss  s_l_ct  l_ng__g_s  wh_n  m_ss_g_ng  _r  sp__k_ng."  Th_  t_chn_l_gy  _s  _n_th_r  _x_mpl_  _f  sc__nc_  f_ct__n  b_c_m_ng  sc__nc_  f_ct.  F_r  th_  p_st  c_nt_ry,  p__pl_  h_v_  f_r_t_ld  n_v_l  w_ys  t_  tr_nsl_t_  l_ng__g_s  _n  r__l  t_m_.  Th_  1979  n_v_l  "Th_  H_tchh_k_r's  G__d_  t_  th_  G_l_xy"  _nv_s_g_d  _  f_ct__n_l  "B_b_l  f_sh"  th_t  _s  p_t  _n  _n_'s  __r  t_  _nd_rst_nd  f_r__gn  t_ng__s.  Th_  J_p_n_s_  m_ng_  _nd  _n_m_  ch_r_ct_r  D_r__m_n  _s_d  _  sp_c__l  j_lly  t_  m_g_c_lly  tr_nsl_t_  _ny  l_ng__g_.

    Punctuate the text and add capitals

    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 peoples 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 realtime 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 hitchhikers guide to the galaxy envisaged a fictional babel fish that is put in ones ear to understand foreign tongues the japanese manga and anime character doraemon used a special jelly to magically translate any language

    Put a slash (/) where the spaces are

    NewtechnologyfromApplecouldtransformlanguagelearningandglob
    alcommunication.ThetechgiantsaysitsnewAirPodsPro3earbudscant
    ranslateforeignlanguagesinpeople'searsinrealtime.Inaddition,trans
    criptsofconversationswillautomaticallyappearonthescreensofusers'
    devices.Thiscouldhavemajorrepercussionsforthelanguageteachingi
    ndustry.Instanttranslationcoulddeterpeoplefrominvestingthetimea
    ndfinancialoutlayrequiredtolearnanotherlanguage.Thetechnologyis
    anotherexampleoftheimpactAIcouldhaveonjobs.Manyteacherswillb
    econcernedabouthowreal-timetranslationmightaffecttheirindustrya
    ndtheirfuture.ApplewroteonitswebsitethatitsAirPodsPro3wouldhelp
    peoplecommunicate"seamlessly"inotherlanguages.Itadded:"Forth
    osemomentswhenalanguagebarriergetsintheway,LiveTranslationca
    nhelpuserscommunicateacrossselectlanguageswhenmessagingors
    peaking."Thetechnologyisanotherexampleofsciencefictionbecomin
    gsciencefact.Forthepastcentury,peoplehaveforetoldnovelwaystotra
    nslatelanguagesinrealtime.The1979novel"TheHitchhiker'sGuidetot
    heGalaxy"envisagedafictional"Babelfish"thatisputinone'seartounde
    rstandforeigntongues.TheJapanesemangaandanimecharacterDora
    emonusedaspecialjellytomagicallytranslateanylanguage.

    Free writing

    Write about real-time translation for 10 minutes. Comment on your partner’s paper.

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    Academic writing

    We will not need language teachers in the future. Discuss.

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    Homework

    1. VOCABULARY EXTENSION: Choose several of the words from the text. Use a dictionary or Google’s search field (or another search engine) to build up more associations / collocations of each word.
    2. INTERNET: Search the Internet and find out more about this news story. Share what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.
    3. REAL-TIME TRANSLATION: Make a poster about real-time translation. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?
    4. ONE LANGUAGE: Write a magazine article about using just one global language. Include imaginary interviews with people who are for and against this.
    Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Write down any new words and expressions you hear from your partner(s).
    5. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? Write a newspaper article about the next stage in this news story. Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Give each other feedback on your articles.
    6. LETTER: Write a letter to an expert on real-time translation. Ask him/her three questions about it. Give him/her three of your opinions on how it will change the world. Read your letter to your partner(s) in your next lesson. Your partner(s) will answer your questions.

    A Few Additional Activities for Students

    Ask your students what they have read, seen or heard about this news in their own language. Students are likely to / may have have encountered this news in their L1 and therefore bring a background knowledge to the classroom.

    Get students to role play different characters from this news story.

    Ask students to keep track of this news and revisit it to discuss in your next class.

    Ask students to male predictions of how this news might develop in the next few days or weeks, and then revisit and discuss in a future class.

    Ask students to write a follow-up story to this news.

    Students role play a journalist and someone who witnessed or was a part of this news. Perhaps they could make a video of the interview.

    Ask students to keep a news journal in English and add this story to their thoughts.

    Also...

    Buy my 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers eBook. It has hundreds of ideas, activity templates, reproducible activities for:

    • News
    • Warm ups
    • Pre-reading / Post-reading
    • Using headlines
    • Working with words
    • While-reading / While-listening
    • Moving from text to speech
    • Post-reading / Post-listening
    • Discussions
    • Using opinions
    • Plans
    • Language
    • Using lists
    • Using quotes
    • Task-based activities
    • Role plays
    • Using the central characters in the article
    • Using themes from the news
    • Homework

    Buy my book

    $US 9.99

    Answers

    (Please look at page 26 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

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