3 ms·
This is very cute. So simple it's almost a waste of effort (if a phrasebook already exists), but yet it's much better than a phrasebook! I can imagine this wor
by gingerlime 14y ago
This is very cute. So simple it's almost a waste of effort (if a phrasebook already exists), but yet it's much better than a phrasebook!
I can imagine this working quite well in Japan, where people are not afraid of technology, but struggle to communicate in foreign languages. I'm not so sure how well this can be accepted in, say, Romania (just an example, I've never been there).
...and shouldn't you swap the first example on the homepage from "Do I have to be hospitalized?" to something slightly more cheerful?
- patar 14y agoI agree that the exact interaction will depend on the setting and that it will take time to perfect. We're on it and open to suggestions! Re: "Do I have to be hospitalized?", I believe our original intent was to show practicality, though in retrospect it does seem off. Thanks for the catch!
- patio11 14y ago"Do you have vegetarian options?" or "Does this food have eggs in it?", perhaps. (I know a few foreigners who carry business-card sized printouts with an explanation saying "Hello! The person who handed you this can't speak Japanese. She has an extremely serious medical allergy to eggs or anything containing eggs.")
- patar 14y agoAwesome suggestions and very simple to implement; look for it soon. I have many relatives who are celiacs (i.e. can't eat wheat) who have had this same problem!
- rmc 14y agoI'm not so sure how well this can be accepted in, say, Romania (just an example, I've never been there). I spent a few days in Romania. There'd be no 'fear of technology' or anything. TBH in some poorer countries the problem isn't "locals are afraid of your phone" but "locals stole my phone and ran off"