The thing is no better than a 0+ speaker reciting memorized rote phrases. It does not - and can not - substitute for a the effective interaction of a language qualified individual with his indig counterparts. Despite the time that has passed since we launched, we are doing a very poor job at training key people in the necessary language skills for the COE. In some very important areas, we're moving backwards.
Language and enculturation requires a command level influence and disposition of resources that reflect a respect for the culture of an indigenous population and an inherent respect for the force multiplier being able to walk and talk with native’s means.
Machine language translation and the tie in of ontological semantics expose several conceptual issues with any translation device. The technologies to accomplish machine translation from one language to another are usually based on discrete rule sets that will not include idiomatic or slangisms that the culture may have invented since the last update.
Ontological semantical or conceptual analysis definitely helps but the “burr under the saddle” for voice translation will be the “to, too, 2, there, their, they’re, etc…” of the English language. Capturing context, translating context, and displaying context is nearing on impossible between cultures.
When the Pioneer 11 space craft included the depiction of man and woman with information to find earth the discussion was whether the context was a greeting card or as a menu.
Chatty Kathy Translation
Remember fellow older folks the "Chatty Kathy" dolls? You would (not you but your sister or female cousin. I never touched a doll when I was a manly youngster) pull a ring and the doll would spit out a series of sentences? This is a modern variant and about as useful.
I agree obviously with Ted and Sel. I have argued this point without success. the problem is that too many folks have never even tried to learn much less use a froeign language--they are the ones who buy in to this stuff. And it gets chalked up as a success.
Best
Tom
I agree, Tom, but I also think that the American cultural affinity for both the "quick fix" and "technology trumps all" comes into play here. Most people who buy into this have seen one episode of Star Trek too many with the universal translator, forgetting that in any meaningful discussion context is vital to understanding. Each culture (and region/subgroup/whatever) has different contexts for words. Not understanding that, or even being aware that it exists, can be dangerous.
Actionable intelligence
When you look at the significant increase in actionable intelligence and calls to the tip line after the Iraqi forces were put in action you get a real picture of the communication problem US forces have had in Iraq. Add that to the problems we have had with the media and it explains many of the frustrations of this war. The device will probably never help in terms of gathering information about the enemy, but it is probably better than staring at each other or yelling something neither understands.
Blackwater's Solution
A FIVE day course
I am on Blackwater's e-newsletter list, got this last night:
Learn the language -and the culture- then deploy.
Operators, analysts, military and civilian support personnel working with or deploying to Iraq or Afghanistan have two classes to choose from:
IRAQI ARABIC from 13 November to 17 November
PASHTO/DARI from 27 November to 01 December
INTENSITY— Live and breathe Arabic or Pashto/Dari
Blackwater Language School provides an intensive language learning environment in which participants challenge themselves and learn at a rate beyond normal limits. This intensive experience has proven to be very successful. Because you and your team-mates have limited time to study the language and culture of Iraq or Afghanistan, we substitute time with intensity. Every student is encouraged to communicate as much as possible in Iraqi dialect Arabic or Pashto/Dari during the entire week-long course. This is no ordinary course of study— it is an endeavor that is emotionally taxing— and rewarding!
SURVIVABILITY— Cultural Awareness = Situational Awareness
If you don’t understand the culture, you can cause real trouble. Our team of accomplished staff is dedicated to helping students survive and thrive in the subject culture. A series of cultural activities will take place throughout the program. Students will be encouraged to use their new skills as they eat Middle Eastern meals and engage in situational interviews— in the immersive environment. This highly intensive language environment empowers you to immediately put your language skills into action and test the boundaries of your cultural survival skills!
At only $1495 per student, space is extremely limited.
To reserve a space for you or your unit
Call or email us today!
That must be some INTENSE training - language AND culture under a week!
$1,495 per student for a 5 day language/cultural immersion class?Originally Posted by SWJED
I've got the wrong job.
I got this yesterday and I thought if I post that SWC will have my hide. I wonder if Blackwater would like a Computer Forensics Course, or maybe something in the Information Assurance and Security arena?
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