Several years ago, I downloaded Word Lens because it was free at the time and did not really use it. I recently found out that Word Lens is free for download on the iTunes App Store for iPhone and iPad. It is an app with possibilities to enhance Social Work Practice of Spanish-speaking practitioners. It is also available for Android.
What It Does
The app uses the iPhone’s camera to immediately translate text in an image to the chosen language. Languages supported include:
- English -> Spanish
- English -> German
- English -> French
- English -> Italian
- English -> Portuguese
- English -> Russian
- German -> English
- French -> English
- Italian -> English
- Portuguese -> English
- Russian -> English
The practical use for this translation software is to point your phone at text to translate it to your language of need English so that you understand what the sign, message, or text is saying – or at least you get the gist.
Be Sure To Download All Languages While They Are Free
I recommend grabbing all packs while they are free because you never know if or when you might need them! 🙂
Example of Translation: DSM-5 from English to Spanish
Application in Practice
As a Spanish-Speaking social worker, there are times when I have a document in English with words I may not fully know how to translate in a way that my client would understand. I can use this app to quickly scan words from important documents a client has in Spanish so that I can piece together my comprehension.
Limits
Of course, nothing is 100% or perfect in this life, in spite of striving for perfection. That being said, this tool should not supersede the translation skills of a human being that knows or understands the language or its context. It is a helpful tool to get you to the solution, but it is not the solution!
Translation should be: Asesoramiento de Gente Suicida
