Interpreters are among the most useful and costly language conversion tools. A skilled interpreter usually has an advanced education in several languages and may have lived in several countries to acquire practical use of the language along with information about the culture. Interpreters translate spoken language in real time, making it possible for two individuals without a common language to carry on a conversation. However, due to the cost of an interpreter's services, they are impractical for many applications.
Translation books are a much less expensive alternative to an interpreter. Books usually feature two languages and offer an index as well as a reverse index for translating in both directions. These books are often intended for travelers and feature only the most common vocabulary as well as a section with common phrases travelers are likely to have use for.
A web translator is an online service for translating text. Web translators may be free or require the user to pay a service fee, often depending on the length of the text being translated. Most web translators can convert text to and from a large number of languages, making them versatile as well as easily accessible.
Web translators also work in tandem with web browsers to translate complete web pages that would otherwise be displayed in a foreign language. These services can convert characters from a different alphabet, allowing the user to browse the entire web in her native language.
Digital translators, also known as pocket translators, are digital electronic devices that include a piece of software for performing quick translations of brief phrases. These devices feature a keyboard for entering a phrase or word and a database with one or more languages into which it can translate the text. Digital translation programs are also available for other devices such as smart phones or PDAs.
