Army science, technology team advances language translation in Africa

A U.S. Army team is testing and helping to develop a language translator to enable Soldiers communicate with their African counterparts.

Improving the ability of American service members to communicate in foreign languages, particularly in French dialects, is becoming critical in Africa, said Maj. Eddie Strimel, the field Assistance in Science and Technology, or FAST, advisor assigned to U.S. Army Africa, or USARAF.

U.S. Soldiers conduct training and exercises regularly in about 20 of Africa's 54 countries, he said.

"We believe Africa is a future frontier for technology in the next 10 to 15 years. French is a priority for us. If we can get these dialects developed with this type of system, it will benefit the Army, Air Force and Marines down the road," he said.


http://www.army.mil/article/153369/Army_science__technology_team_advances_language_translation_in_Africa/