This one is for all my (conference) interpretation colleagues out there.
We interpreters (translators who deliver spoken translations either simultaneously using interpretation equipment or consecutively, i.e. after the speaker has spoken) know, why ‘computer translation’ of speech doesn’t work properly and why.
Take a look at this video next time you need to remind someone why it pays to hire a professional interpreter.
The tech folks at an American news station tested a translation device with earbuds to be used instead of an interpreter a few days ago and this is what happened:
adventures of a traveling translator 