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agsr

Another aspect of future Gene Roddenberry painted for us 50 years ago is coming to light, courtesy of Google.

Google Announces New Universal Translator

 http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2017/10/google-announces-new-universal-translator/

I question why we are forcing kids to learn second language in school, where clearly such technology will mature and will make communication between people globally seemless without ever having to learn a second language.  I suggest that schools should make second language classes optional effective immediately, otherwise it's like making Latin a required middle school subject. 

joecavalry

I believe that it is important to know second languages, rather than rely fully on the technology.

agsr

joecavalry said:

I believe that it is important to know second languages, rather than rely fully on the technology.

That's a valid argument, but it should be optional instead of required

SilverishGoldNova

Well if this is a thing then I would see no reason to learn a second language

therep

Other languages can be useful in situations, especially without a translator.

islander507

@therep, absolutely. Knowledge of other languages should be useful for general awareness and under special circumstances. The question though should it be required in schools like right now. I think it should be optional