Mastering foreign language is considered to be futile as now the facility of translator is available while computer interpretations can be advantageous, I think learning another language is also beneficial.
The key reason to use computer translator is that they are efficient. This eliminates the need to hire a human translator which makes them cost-effective. Computer translators can be carried to any place. This makes their communication facile.
Moreover, these could translate various foreign languages. A human translator cannot master these many languages. Take Google Translator for example. This app has made the translation process easier and replaced many human translators. Content translation is quicker and the app could be used for both personal and official uses.
Despite the above mentioned positives of computer interpretation I however think that language learning is not a waste of time. Learning languages helps in one’s personal growth. As languages and cultures are inextricably interwoven. So, when a person learns a new language it gives him or her useful insights into about the culture. Mastering new languages is linked to cognitive development because when one learns new language, he or she comes across various new vocabulary which helps in development of one’s mind. IQ level of a multi-linguistic individual is considered to be higher than others. Another contributing factor is that machine translation cannot judge the underlying emotions and nuances of the speaker. Listener is not able to tell about the tone and sentiments of the speaker. It is the human translator that is able to gauge the nuances of the spoken language.
To conclude, I would like to restate that learning computer translation have its own upsides but language learning is also important as it helps in personal growth and cognitive development.