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Dibakar · Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2003 7:40 am Post subject: Language Translator Algorithm

Hi,

I am curious to know language translator algorithm, say English to French. If anybody know about any reference site then please let me know.

Thanks,
Dibakar.

kolusu · Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2003 9:54 am Post subject:

Dibakar,

Check this sites which does the translation from english to french and vice-versa.

http://www.freetranslation.com/

http://translation.langenberg.com/

Hope this helps....

cheers

kolusu

Dibakar · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2003 12:46 am Post subject:

kolusu,

These sites are for translation but I am interested in knowing the algorithm of program(s) behind these translation.

Since different languages have different set of grammatical rules, I thought it will be interesting to see the algorithm.

Thanks,
Dibakar.

semigeezer · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2003 1:29 am Post subject:

There is no single algoritm. Natural Language Processing and translation is a field that has grown over several decades. There are many different approaches to the problem, from simple substitution to structure (grammar) analysis to attempts to 'understand' what a sentence is trying to say and then saying the same thing in another language. As far as I can tell, none of them are very good yet. I'd suggest going to each site, translating something from your native language into another language, (even one which has stricter rules than English), and then translating the result back to your native language. I doubt you'll be able to understand the results of any of the translators, but at least you'll get a good laugh. Smile

The sub-field within NLP that is more mature is the processing of queries and simple commands. But even that field has quite a way to go.

Dibakar · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2003 3:47 am Post subject:

semigeezer,

My earlier response got lost.

Thanks again,
Diba.

semigeezer · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2003 9:14 am Post subject:

Hmmm. I remember seeing it. I guess this board doesn't run on MVS Smile

CaptBill · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2003 12:49 pm Post subject:

Language is interesting. When I was learning Spanish, I found many things that when said did not make sense to me.

Some examples:

English- I like it.
Spanish- Me gusta. Which literaly translates as "It pleases me."

Behave yourself.
Porta se bien. Which literaly translates as "Carry yourself well."

I love you.
Te amo. Which literaly translates as "You I love."
Te quero. Which literaly translates as "You I want.'

Language translators have a very long way to go.

semigeezer · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2003 2:45 pm Post subject:

So do programming languages. I'm still waiting for one that does what I mean regardless of what I tell it. Mr. Green

Mervyn · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2003 4:20 pm Post subject:

I don't know how popular Terry Pratchett is in other countries. Those of you who know his work, in particular his Librarian character, may find this interesting:

http://bluesorcerer.net/esoteric/ook.html

It goes a long way towards filling Semigeezer's requirement (which I, for one, frequently share!)

Cheers,
Merv

semigeezer · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2003 4:51 pm Post subject:

I never got a good handle on IEHPROPHET either. (for those who don't know IEHPROPHET, look it up with Google)