Google Translate now in Filipino, Renz Verano Says Thanks
By Rico, 9:09 am Fri Nov 28 2008 - Reviews - 1 Opinion
Yesterday, I received a press release detailing the launch of Google Translate Filipino, and how it’s the “First local language launch of Google’s translation tools in Southeast Asia”. Kudos to the company for picking the Philippines first! Check out this marketing blurb:
“At Google we believe that the Internet is about enabling access to the world’s information—all the world’s information, regardless of language,” said Derek Callow, Marketing Manager, Google Southeast Asia. “Today’s launch of Google Translate in Filipino language makes it easier for millions of Filipino-speaking Internet users all over the world to search and access much more web content in their own local language.”
With all due respect though, automated translation technology still has a long way to go. Continue reading and see why.
To put Google Translate Filipino through its paces, I got some Filipino text I found online—including the Filipino copy on “Google Pagsasalin” itself—and ran it through http://translate.google.com.ph/. Translate has no problem with many short phrases, but longer texts produce inaccurate, if not downright hilarious, results.
| Filipino | English |
|---|---|
| Pagsasalin ng isang Web Page | Translating a Web Page |
| block pop-up ads | harangan ang mga pop-up ads |
| Naisaling-wikang Paghahanap | Naisaling-language Search |
| Magmungkahi ng isang mas mahusay na pagsasalin | Suggest a better translation |
| Ako ay si Juan | I am John |
| Kapag ang puso’y ‘di sanay mag-isa Puro lungkot na lang ang nadarama Kapag walang tibok Walang ligaya Kapag wala ka sa buhay ko’y Walang sigla Ang iyong pangakong Ako’y laging mamahalin Tandang-tanda ko pa Ang ating sumpaan hanggang wakas Ay magsasama Umulan, bumagyo gumuho man ang mundo Ikaw at ako pa rin |
When puso’y’s veteran alone Stark sadness that the only sensible If no pulse No joy If you have not life ko’y Apathetic Your pangakong I’m always expensive I exclamation-mark yet Our Sumpaan until finally Will Rain, come violently cave man the world You and I still |
Yes folks, the last item was from Renz Verano’s Remember Me, available for purchase here! Ain’t technology great?
Louie
12:12 pm Wed Dec 10 2008
“cave man the world” ? LOL!