Twenty years ago few lawyers needed to know more than plain ol' American English. However, over the past two decades the world has grown smaller and our society more diverse. Dual language skills are quickly becoming an asset as U.S. based lawyers are doing more business worldwide, and a larger share of local clients use English as a second language.
While many of us do not have bi-lingual skills, computer-based translators can be very helpful. A number of those translators have been created or adapted for the iPhone and iPad that can help you get through in a pinch:
Google Translate — This free app allows you to speak or type something in English (or virtually any other language) and then translates it to another language. For many languages, the app also speaks the translated text, or shows it in large type on the full screen making it easy for you to show another person. This is a great app for someone traveling to another country, but note that you need to have Internet access for this to work (so hopefully you will be in a Wi-Fi hotspot when you have the need to use this app to communicate with someone who does not speak English).
Jibbigo is a new level in computer-based translators. While many translators translate text to text, and some (like Word Lens) translate text in real time, this is the first iPhone-based app to translate speech and play it back in the selected language. Just speak into the iPhone microphone, then listen for the translation to be read back to you. Unlike Google Translate, Internet access is not needed; the entire translation occurs on the iPhone. The English-Spanish version is great for travelers, and may also help a lawyer with Spanish speaking clients to convey short messages in a conversation. Some reviewers report trouble with the app understanding their speech, but I have had no problems. If you do have some speech recognition problems, those can be edited easily using the keyboard. At a hefty $25 per language library and 210 Mb in size, it may give you pause; however, from my perspective, it is a worthy app in today's world.
Word Lens -— This app really amazes me. It instantly translates printed words from Spanish to English or English to Spanish using the iPhone camera. (Hopefully, it will soon be optimized for the new iPad 2.) Just point the app (which automatically engages the camera) at a sign or document and watch the words change immediately. No snapping and processing a picture—it just works. Great especially for immigration lawyers or those lawyers needing an occasional translation. While the app is free, each language-to-language “dictionary” is $9.99. More languages coming according to the developer.
These apps and 57 other iPhone/iPad apps for lawyers will be part of my presentation 60 iPhone Apps for Lawyers in 60 Minutes presented with Jeff Richardson and Josh Barrett at the ABA TECHSHOW 2011.
