The use of software tools to automatically translate languages is becoming increasingly popular. The software tools can be used to translate Web pages or dialogs.

This research project explores the effectiveness of automated language translators on the Web. Background research included investigating the current available software tools for translating Web pages and instant messaging.

I researched the effectiveness of automated translation through an experiment. I created a task for two students communicating on the Web to complete. Volunteers were recruited and divided into two groups: a control group and an experimental group. Students in the groups were paired up into teams of two.

Team were given a task to complete using the Web and AOL Instant Messenger. Both member of the control group spoke in the same language. In the experimental group, one member spoke in Spanish while the other spoke in English. Software to perform automated language translation was used to translate the dialog.

The results are currently being compiled. Summary statistics will be presented at SOURCE.