New technology from Apple could transform language learning and global communication. The tech giant says its new AirPods Pro 3 earbuds can translate foreign languages in people's ears in real time. In addition, transcripts of conversations will automatically appear on the screens of users' devices. This could have major repercussions for the language teaching industry. Instant translation could deter people from investing the time and financial outlay required to learn another language. The technology is another example of the impact AI could have on jobs. Many teachers will be concerned about how real-time translation might affect their industry and their future.
蘋果公司的新技術可能將徹底改變語言學習與全球溝通模式。這家科技巨頭宣布，其最新推出的AirPods Pro 3耳機能實現即時外語翻譯功能，同時對話文字紀錄將自動顯示於用戶裝置螢幕。這項突破性技術可能對語言教學產業產生深遠影響——即時翻譯功能或將降低人們投入時間與金錢學習外語的意願，也再次印證人工智能對就業市場的衝擊。許多語言教師已開始擔憂，這項即時翻譯技術將如何重塑產業樣貌與他們的職業未來。
Apple wrote on its website that its AirPods Pro 3 would help people communicate "seamlessly" in other languages. It added: "For those moments when a language barrier gets in the way, Live Translation can help users communicate across select languages when messaging or speaking." The technology is another example of science fiction becoming science fact. For the past century, people have foretold novel ways to translate languages in real time. The 1979 novel "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" envisaged a fictional "Babel fish" that is put in one's ear to understand foreign tongues. The Japanese manga and anime character Doraemon used a special jelly to magically translate any language.蘋果官網聲明指出，AirPods Pro 3 能實現「無縫」跨語言溝通，並補充說明：「當語言隔閡形成障礙時，即時翻譯功能可在訊息傳遞或對話過程中，協助使用者突破精選語言的交流限制。」這項技術無疑是「科幻成真」的又一例證——過去百年間，人類始終預言著即時語言翻譯的創新方式。早在1979年科幻小說《銀河便車指南》中就構想出名為「巴別魚」的虛構生物，置入耳內即可理解外星語言；而日本動漫角色哆啦A夢更藉由神奇翻譯果凍，實現了魔幻般的跨語言溝通。
