新视野大学英语视听说教程 4 Unit 4-15

News Report
A Wearable Translator
Script
The inability to communicate in a foreign language is a problem that many international travelers face. But now, a Minnesota company is developing a system that would make this a problem of the past.
Minneapolis-based Via is the company behind the “Mobile Language Translation System”, or MLTS. But they are not the only company trying to develop real-time computer translation. IBM is promoting a new high-speed text translation system, and NEC is working on software that provides rapid voice translations from English to Japanese and vice¹ versa.
But Via CEO Ed McConaghay says that the biggest difficulty in developing MLTS hs been to combine existing technology with bidirectional capability² and portable packaging.
[SOUND BITE]
A translator demonstrates just how MLTS works.
The translations take about five seconds and are not always perfect. However, the text translation on the screen can help users get the general idea of a conversation.
[SOUND BITE]
In the future, MLTS may be able to assist military personnel in communicating with foreign language speakers in the field.
This system may also be of help to border patrol officers, airport personnel, and local law enforcement.
Eventually, though, the device will be available to travelers or anyone in the general public who would like to communicate with a foreign friend.

1 vice   

n.坏事；恶习；[pl.]台钳，老虎钳；adj.副的

参考例句：

• He guarded himself against vice.他避免染上坏习惯。
• They are sunk in the depth of vice.他们堕入了罪恶的深渊。

2 capability   

n.能力；才能；(pl)可发展的能力或特性等

参考例句：

• She has the capability to become a very fine actress.她有潜力成为杰出演员。
• Organizing a whole department is beyond his capability.组织整个部门是他能力以外的事。