| Message from the President |  |
| Asia-Pacific Association for Machine Translation |
| Message from the President | |
| Asia-Pacific Association for Machine Translation |
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The internet is linking the world together, leading to a flourishing exchange of information between communities using different languages. Not everyone, however, has a fluent command of multiple languages, and the glanguage barrierh is therefore becoming a major problem. In order to dismantle this language barrier, more accurate machine translation (MT) systems need to be created, and better methods for utilizing MT systems need to be established. Let us consider the environment surrounding MT systems. In recent years, high-volume language resources have become available, and computing power has also risen dramatically, increasing the possibility of developing MT systems more suitable for practical use. MT systems are now being used in new ways: besides systems in the form of software packages to be installed and used on a computer, there are also systems in the form of translations services available on the web, and the number of MT users is increasing. Translation functions as a bridge across the differences between languages: the Asia-Pacific Association for Machine Translation (AAMT) aims to provide two more bridges. As indicated by the name of our organization, one of these bridges consists of our mission to support and link together MT initiatives in the countries of the Asia-Pacific region. As you know, since 1991, when the AAMT was founded, our activities have centered on Japan. Now, as a breakthrough in MT seems imminent, we intend to establish other branches, starting with one in China, with a view to making the AAMT a more pan-Asian organization. The second bridge we aim to provide will take the form of a forum facilitating interchange between people involved in MT in various capacities. Once developed, an MT system is meaningless unless it is used. The intellectual task of translation is accomplished by two parties: the system developer and the system user. By linking these two parties together, the AAMT aims to create an environment in which MT systems can actually be used in a wide range of applications. How, one might ask, do we define the ultimate MT system? One possible definition is a system that creates an environment in which the user is not even aware that MT is in use. Such a system might incorporate networks and search systems, creating an environment in which users can switch between multiple languages at will. Alternatively, development could take whole new direction, resulting in a system not only able to translate utterances stated in words, but also non-linguistic information such as gestures and facial expressions, or maybe even a system enabling users to exchange knowledge directly, without going through language at all. Human beings carry out most of their intellectual activities, and most of their sensual processing, by means of language. The AAMT is committed to supporting the development and utilization of MT systems facilitating the exchange of information using language, which lies at the heart of all human activity. We shall continue to pursue initiatives aimed at conquering the language barrier, and your ongoing support for our activities will be greatly appreciated. President : Hitoshi Isahara |