Google Translator = Babel?

With the work I do for Demand Studios, I have to perform a lot of research on foreign countries and cities to write about points of interest they have. In the old days (meaning five to ten years ago), it would have been difficult to conduct this research since websites in other countries had their own language on the pages and no English translation.

This is still the case on some sites, but Google has created the handy Google Translator app which allows me to get information on the page without having to figure out what it all means.

However, it has occurred to me that this is only the beginning. It will be within our lifetime that robotic implants will be placed in our bodies that will be able to translate other languages without having to be an expert in linguistics.

People will speak, and we will understand.

Like a sci-fi movie. Is it that hard to fathom? Not necessarily. One reason we love technology is that the convenience it creates in our lives. And understanding everyone in this world would be convenient for everyone. Thus, I believe we will aim to reach that goal.

Perhaps it will bring us to a greater understanding of all the different cultures in this world. I bet Christopher Columbus wished he had Google Translator when he met the natives in the West Indies for the first time.

But then there is the biblical story of the Tower of Babel. The story where the people of this ancient city wanted to build a tower into the heavens. The story was resolved when God caused everyone to speak different languages in order to confuse them. This confusion led to anger, which led to resentment and separation.

So what of the future if we come back full circle? If we all understand each other with implants, Google Translator or whatever the instrument?

Will we unite? Will we realize that we have more in common with each other than differences?

Will we try to ascend to the heavens, or will we separate from each other once more?