IPM launches Chinese-Portuguese translation application

The Macao Polytechnic Institute (IPM) launched a Chinese-Portuguese translation application called “Diz Lá”.

The application was designed for people from Macau and mainland China who study Portuguese, as well as to serve those who travel to Portuguese-speaking countries.

The application is also said to feature some highlights: words are pronounced with European Portuguese accents, it contains simple Portuguese conversations in 23 areas, including trade, traveling and shopping, and studying materials will be updated automatically each season.

IPM President Lei Heong Iok said that the application’s translation “accuracy is nearly 100 percent, it went through human checking.”

“Not only did it go through mechanical translations, but it was also checked by people. Its accuracy is really high, with the plus that it is pronounced by people from Portugal. There is no problem about its credibility,” said Lei.

According to Lei, the application contains a total of 400 frequently used Portuguese verbs.

He noted that the work behind the application was done by IPM’s Portuguese teachers and the use of mechanical translations.

“Every three months, there will be automatic updates according to the needs of the application [users],” revealed Lei, adding that “this is our first step. Our next step will be launching other products to cooperate with [Macau’s being] the platform between China and Portuguese-s peaking countries.”

In addition, Lei informed that, in two years, IPM will hire overseas Chinese individuals to teach Portuguese at his school.

Along with the launching of the translation application, IPM also published eight Portuguese studying materials. These books can be used across various school levels. JZ