UNIVERSAL TRANSLATOR

	The technical ability to exchange data is not in itself sufficent to 
permit communication. A common set of symbols and conceptsÑa 
languageÑis equally important before communications can occur. This is 
difficult enough on a planet where individuals of the same species speak 
different languages, but it becomes a formidable task indeed when dealing 
with individuals from different planets who may share neither biology, 
culture, nor concepts.

	The Universal Translator is an extremely sophisticated computer 
program that is designed to first analyze the patterns of an unknown form of 
communication, then to derive a translation matrix to permit realtime verbal 
or data exchanges. Although the Universal Translator is primarily intended to 
work with spoken communications, it has been used successfully for 
translation with a wide range of language media.

DERIVING A TRANSLATION MATRIX

	The first step in deriving a translation matrix is to obtain as large a 
sample as possible of the unknown communication. Wherever possible, this 
sample should include examples of at least two native speakers conversing 
with each other. Extensive pattern analysis yields estimates on symbology, 
syntax, usage patterns, vocabulary, and cultural factors. Given an adquate 
sample, it is usually possible to derive a highly simplified language subset in 
only a few minutes, although Federation policy generally requires a much 
more extensive analysis before diplomatic usage of the Universal Translator 
is permitted.

	In the case where the individual lifeform communicated with has a 
similar language translation technology, it is sometimes useful to translate 
outgoing messages into the Linguacode language form, since this is 
specifically designed as a culturally neutral ÒantiencryptedÓ language 
medium.

LIMITATIONS

	The accuracy and applicability of the translation matrix is only as 
good as the language sample on which the matrix is based. A limited sample 
will generally permit a basic exchange of concepts, but can lead to highly 
distorted translations when concepts, vocabulary, or usage vary too far from 
the sample. Since the Universal Translator constantly updates the translation 
matrix during the course of usage, it is often useful to allow the program to 
accumulate a larger linguistic sample by exchanging simple subjects before 
proceeding to the discussion of more complex or sensitive subjects.  Æ