Translating and online

Information can be retrieved by direct interrogation of a remote computer by means of a keyboard terminal and a telephone. The advantages of such an online system are fast access to large quantities of data and the opportunity to refine the enquiry by conversing with the computer. At present, data bases can be used to determine if a translation of a document, or an alternative, already exists. They can assist with translating particular words or phrases, especially in new subject areas. In the future, online systems may be exploited to produce more sophisticated aids, reflecting the structure of language.