http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Application_software

This week’s tip is on translation. There are hundreds of websites devoted to language learning. There are dictionaries, translating widgets, online courses, etc., etc. There is no “best” website; it all depends on which languages you are translating, the length of the translation, and what you are trying to get out of your online language search.

We all have lists of go-to sites that vary depending on what we’re searching for. My question is: Have you ever thought to use Wikipedia as a translating tool?

Living abroad, I’ve met people from all over the world. We speak a myriad of languages, so translating can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re trying to translate a technical term that wouldn’t be in a standard dictionary or if the translating dictionary lists multiple entries. That’s when I turn to Wikipedia.

If you pull up a page in Wikipedia, there is a sidebar of pages under the same entry in other languages. For example, I searched for “application,” which I chose specifically because it has more than one meaning. Here, I’m referring to computer applications, or application software. On the left-hand side, there is a list of “application software” Wikipedia pages in over forty languages! The best part about this method of translation is that you don’t need any prior knowledge of the language you’re translating to. With most dictionaries or online translation tools, you need a base level of both languages to pick the proper translation and use the appropriate grammar. With Wikipedia, everything is done for you!

Hope this tip shortens your translating time and shrinks the language barrier!