Hebrew Electronic Dictionaries and Translators
A Hebrew electronic dictionary or translator comes in handy when youre abroad and need to communicate with the locals. An electronic dictionary is small enough to fit into your day bag, and can help you decipher text and audio during your Hebrew studies or travels.
What is the Babylon and how does it work?The Babylon is a handheld electronic Hebrew-English dictionary boasting more than 6,000,000 words, hundreds of thousands of expressions, and idioms. The keyboard layout resembles a miniature computer keyboard, so finding letters is easy enough. You simply type in English words, and the Babylon offers the corresponding word in Hebrew. Often the Babylon also offers context, relevant expressions, and notes on usage.
Thanks to built-in memory, the Babylon is expandable, meaning you can add Spanish. The unit doubles as several other handheld devices, including:
- Calculator and currency/metric converter
- Phone directory
- Digital clock and calender with city display
Several electronic dictionaries also contain a phrase book and programs that teach you how to speak the language. These dictionaries have an OS platform, typically Android-like, that also includes GPS navigation and compatible apps. For example, the Ectaco family of handheld electronic dictionaries all feature language instruction, learning games, a language audio book, and an mp3 player. Many of them resist shock, water, and dust as well.
What about a voice translator or dictionary?These also exist, and theyre quite convenient if youre trying to keep up with native speakers or you prefer audio immersion over reading/typing text. With voice-activated models, you speak into them and receive an immediate speech-to-speech translation. Some of these models include features that correct your accent when you repeat the translation.
Can you translate everyday signs, posters, and menus?Thanks to technology, new generations of electronic Hebrew dictionaries include cameras with image-recognition software. You use the electronic dictionarys camera to snap a photo of the menu selection, poster, or road sign, and the dictionary provides the translation. Electronic dictionaries with cameras and audio pronunciation even go so far as to recite the photographed text in either English or Hebrew.
Is there an electronic scanning dictionary?Electronic scanning dictionaries are a reality. They are pen-sized and shaped like mini digital thermometers, and they actually scan text. As youre reading, you press the dictionarys tip to the page and draw it over the text. The dictionary scans the text and displays a digital word-for-word translation on a tiny screen. Some scanners feature primary languages, such as Hebrew and English, and secondary couples, such as Russian and Hebrew, or Russian and English.
Some handheld scanners also have touchscreens that serve as an input interface. You type in text using the virtual keyboard and receive prompt, accurate text in a new language. Other scanners are compatible with removable flashcards that let you swap out language databases as needed. TTS components read text aloud, and included word games help you drill vocabulary.
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