Questionnaire #3: Machine translation

Machine translation, sometimes referred to by the abbreviation MT, is a sub-field of computational linguistics that investigates the use of computer software to translate text or speech from one natural language to another. At its basic level, MT performs simple substitution of words in one natural language for words in another. Using corpus techniques, more complex translations may be attempted, allowing for better handling of differences in linguistic typology, phrase recognition, and translation of idioms, as well as the isolation of anomalies.

Today a number of systems are available which produce output which, if not perfect, is of sufficient quality to be useful for certain specific applications, usually in the domain of technical documentation. In addition, translation software packages which are designed primarily to assist the human translator in the production of translations are enjoying increasingly popularity within professional translation organizations.

These are some examples of Online transaltors:

• OpenTrad, http://www.opentrad.org/demo
• Systran, http://oesi.cervantes.es/traduccionAutomatica.html (complemented by ATS)
• ProMT, http://elmundo.reverso.net/textonly/default.asp (aka Reverso)
• Lucy, http://www.translendium.net:8080/home/ (aka Translendium, Metal)
• Google, http://translate.google.com/

Languages from the world

References:

• Machine translation. (2009, March 26). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 09:56, April 1, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Machine_translation&oldid=279707378
• Definition of Machine Translation. In Macalester College. Retrieved 12:14. April 4. From http://www.macalester.edu/courses/russ65/definiti.htm

Questionnaire #3: Question answering systems

Related with the topic below this post is going to be related with one of the most developed systems: the question answering.  As in the post below I developed abut how does they work, in this I am just going to give few examples of them.

• Powerset: Powerset’s goal is to change the way people interact with technology by enabling computers to understand our language Powerset’s first product is a search and discovery experience for Wikipedia, launched in May 2008. Powerset’s technology improves the entire search process. In the search box, you can express yourself in keywords, phrases, or simple questions. On the search results page, Powerset gives more accurate results, often answering questions directly.
• Anna: If you have any doubts with IKEA, you can ask her. Although she is not very developed she can redirect you to any part in IKEA’s web page in order to get any products.
• Answers.com: This works as Power Set does.

Ask Anna if you have any doubts on IKEA

References

• About Powerset. In Powerset. Retrieved April 1st 11:15. From: http://www.powerset.com/about
• ¿Necesitas ayuda? In IKEA. Retreieved 11:23 April 1st. In: http://www.ikea.com/ms/es_ES/customer_service/splash.html
• Question answering. (2009, March 20). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 09:47, April 1, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Question_answering&oldid=278611780