Band 7+: Learning foreign languages is a waste of time because digital translation tools work instantly and accurately. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In the modern world, technology is growing at a faster rate, and every day some new innovations are coming onto the market. As different language translators have been introduced, it is now possible for computers and smartphones to translate multiple languages quickly and accurately. Due to this, some people think that learning a foreign language is a waste of time. However, I strongly disagree with this notion.

Learning a new foreign language is not at all a waste of time. Instead, depending on a language translator can lead to several problems in real life, no matter how fast and accurate it is. Firstly, in a new country, it is not always feasible to use a computer or a smartphone to translate a language for regular conversations. Performing live translation requires an active internet connection, which is not available at all the places. In some places, a lack of network connection can become a communication barrier. Apart from that, people often face difficulties in reading and pronouncing the translated language, as it is completely new to them. Due to this, they face rejection in interviews and also lack confidence during the presentations. Lastly, the translators may not be able to understand the different dialects of a language and may even misinterpret them, which can lead to miscommunication or even conflict between the people.

Although people can use computers and smartphones to translate multiple languages quickly and accurately, they should not completely rely on them, as their electronic devices may fail in an urgent situation, which can put them in a difficult problem. People should have a basic understanding of the language, so that they are able to understand different dialects or accents, and are also able to read and pronounce the words.

In conclusion, I strongly disagree with the notion that learning a foreign language is a waste of time. Although the computers and smartphones play an important role in the communication, people should have a basic understanding of the language which can help them in difficult situations such as poor networks, interviews and presentations, or device failures.