While the use of virtual reality is far from being innovative, its use in translation education is still relatively new and only starts to make the headlines. As technology becomes even more advanced and machine learning methods are used all the time, it helps to explore new dimensions of language education. Going beyond textbooks and gaining the ability to travel virtually, modern language learners can experience foreign environments by turning to augmented reality and virtual learning techniques. It represents the best way to practice one’s pronunciation and master language speed, and a great way to learn more about foreign cultures and traditions.
Virtual Reality in Translation Education
- Learning Complex Cultural Concepts
Virtual reality is an ideal solution in translation education as future professionals and those who learn a foreign language can instantly become a part of another culture or appear in an unknown situation. While it may not always be possible to travel, virtual reality helps learners to connect globally and implement augmented reality practices as they appear in any location of the world and test their existing skills. It also helps to eliminate the cultural borders for ESL learners, as they can learn differently or choose to pay for an essay by asking an expert online to assist them with proofreading or editing their work. Considering all the cultural differences, it may be difficult to express certain ideas or thoughts correctly, so virtual reality and online assistance can help translators learn easier.
Language Speed Training
One of the most common problems in translation education is learning the language speed and mastering all the slang peculiarities. Things are even more difficult when it comes to tonal languages or dialects. The most prominent example is the speed of the Spanish in Latin America, which is quite different compared to what you hear in Madrid! Virtual reality, much like some advanced online learning platforms, helps to “slow down” the speaker and model various situations and dialogue subjects.
Virtual reality helps to “slow down” the speaker and model various situations and dialogue subjects. This way, a future translator can learn how to approach the unknown dialogue context easier.
- Training of Interpreters
Virtual reality also helps to train interpreters as they have to deal with synchronous translations (like the ones we can see in movies, on TV, or during press conferences). Since it all takes practice, future interpreters can choose the required number of people (virtually) and challenge their weak and strong sides as they learn. Now, speaking of Spanish challenges related to legal or healthcare issues, it’s always helpful to approach PickWriters for all your professional translation needs. While virtual reality can teach you how to recognize unknown words and learn when a foreign speaker slows down to catch a breath, it’s always safer to hand all your documentary work to professional linguists!
- Gaining More Confidence
Virtual reality in translation education also helps to work in a team with other translators and cooperate remotely. It makes it easier for editors to learn of their responsibilities as they talk to translators and determine the best ways to correct each other. Unlike leaving a dry comment in a document, they can discuss things virtually and model various situations by working in a different and more interactive environment.
Blending Virtual Reality With Traditional Learning
It’s not often mentioned by those who study virtual reality, yet it should not become a total replacement for learning purposes. A much better method is to blend virtual reality with traditional learning (writing and textbooks). It becomes even more relevant with the younger translators who are already used to technology yet have to do their best to train their writing and basic speech analysis skills in a foreign language. Now, when the textbook concepts are being taught, virtual reality slideshows can be used as “pre” or “post” additions based on translation methods. Depending on the situation, virtual translation assistance helps keep the learners inspired as they practice what they have learned or become ready to master challenging and unknown concepts.
