Even unusual languages like Hindi, Mandarin and Irish have tech teaching tools. The Pimsleur Language Programs CDs from Simon & Schuster, for 28 languages, range from a short introduction ($19.95) to a monthlong series of lessons ($345). Another offering, Rosetta Stone, is a computer-based program from Fairchild Language Technologies. There’s a choice of two dozen languages with 250 hours of introductory lessons each. Cost: $195 apiece.
Joe Romano, a Boston businessman who speaks six languages, points out that no translation program does everything: mainland-Chinese Mandarin differs from Taiwanese Mandarin. But more sophisticated technology is on the way. VoxTec of Annapolis, Md., will start marketing a device next year that translates conversation into text on a screen. A version being used by the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan has shown promise.
