Nombre ____________________ Fecha______________________

Using an online translator

Online translators are an excellent tool if you are trying to get a general idea of what something says. They do not do a good job of creating usable language. They do not understand grammar, syntax, or idiomatic expressions. Basically they are a large computer driven dictionary that makes as many mistakes as correct choices. Select an online translator (http://babelfish.altavista.com/ and www.freetranslation.com are two common examples) and try a few sentences.

A. 1. Go to the web site and type in the sentence exactly as it appears here

2. Click on translate; make sure it says English to Spanish.

3. Write down exactly what the computer says in Spanish.

4. Click back and type in the exact Spanish sentence (or copy it and paste it into the translation box)

Select Spanish to English and click on Translate.
Write down exactly what it says in English.

Website used: _____________________________________________________________________

1. English - I’m 12 years old