Using Browser Translation

Purpose:  Use this document for information about utilizing the language translation options in Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox and Safari browsers.

Audience:  All staff and students.

General Directions for Using Translation Options

  • Right-mouse click anywhere on screen to view drop down menu.
  • Select Translate to.. (English will probably show).
Drop down menu, choose Translate to
  • Select Choose another Language.
Screen shot to Choose another language
  • Select the ellipsis next to the Detected Language text box.
Menu to change language for translation
  • Using down arrow to view language listing, choose a language.
  • Once a language is chosen, select Translate.
Screen showing where to view drop down menu for languages
  • FOLLOW GENERAL DIRECTIONS AS ABOVE

 

  • FOLLOW GENERAL DIRECTIONS AS ABOVE

 

Google Chrome

  • FOLLOW DIRECTIONS ABOVE

NOTE: Automatic Translation:  Chrome typically detects the language of a webpage and offers to translate it to your preferred language.

NOTE:  Customization:  You can adjust translation settings, including enabling or disabling automatic translation and specifying preferred languages, in Chrome's Settings.

 

Microsoft Edge

  • FOLLOW GENERAL DIRECTIONS ABOVE - Use the icon depicted in the screen shot below to select language (At the end of the address field. You may need to scroll to right side on image.)

NOTE: Automatic Translation: Edge also automatically detects and offers to translate pages in foreign languages.

NOTE: Selection Translation: Edge allows you to highlight and translate specific text selections. 

Firefox

  • FOLLOW GENERAL DIRECTIONS ABOVE

NOTE: Firefox relies on extensions or add-ons for translation, such as the Google Translate add-on. 

 

Safari

  • FOLLOW GENERAL DIRECTIONS ABOVE

NOTE: Built-in Translation: Safari has a built-in translation feature that can translate entire pages.

NOTE: Cloud Processing: Safari may ask for permission to send text to the cloud for translation, similar to other browsers. 

 

ChatGPT  vs. Google Translations - Strengths to Consider & When to Choose Which

ChatGPT Strengths:

  • Contextual Understanding:. ChatGPT excels at understanding nuances and cultural context, making it better at translating creative writing, marketing materials, and other text where meaning and tone are important. 
  • Handling Idiomatic Expressions:. ChatGPT is generally better at translating idiomatic expressions and cultural nuances than Google Translate. 
  • Explaining Meanings:. ChatGPT can explain the meaning of words and phrases, and even provide examples of their usage, which Google Translate cannot do. 

When to Choose Which:

  • Model Updates: Both Google Translate and ChatGPT are constantly being updated, so their capabilities are likely to change over time. 
  • Choose Google Translate:. For quick, everyday translations, particularly in widely spoken languages, or for straightforward technical documents. 
  • Choose ChatGPT:. For creative writing, marketing materials, or any text where context, tone, and cultural understanding are important.