[Allegra]

I snagged it off of Google Translator. I use it overseas for quick written translations when I can't find a linguist right away.

The only phrase in Chinese I remember how to say from my visit there on business in 2001 is "Tsai lai eeping pidjio." (I would like another beer.") ;-)

[Billthedrill]

Yes! There are two key phrases in any language - “I would like another beer,” and “Where is the restroom?” After that it’s all fluff. ;-)

[goldstategop]

Machine Translation works well with Western languages. But languages like Chinese still come through nonsensical because the software cannot accurately decode the inflection and intonation of native speakers. Just be aware that Google has serious limitations. It helps if you speak the language but even then a translation is just a reflection of the original. Something is lost when you change the words, as the great Italian poet Dante wrote.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus