Conversation Time Translation

Conversation Time Translation facilitates seamless communication in multiple languages during a chat session. When a language change occurs during the conversation, all inbound and outbound messages are automatically translated between the bot's default language and the newly selected language. This feature ensures effective communication regardless of the user's preferred language.

How Conversation Time Translation works

The procedure below describes how bots operate with conversation time translation:

  1. The user writes text in Language A.
  2. Machine Translation service translates the text into the bot's default language.
  3. Natural Language Processing (NLP) is performed in the bot's default language.
  4. A response is generated in the bot's default language.
  5. The response is translated back into Language A by the Machine Translation service.
  6. The chatbot responds with the translated text in Language A.

Key Points

  • Machine translation is utilized only when the user's language (ChatUser.Language) differs from the languages set on the bot. Manual authoring of translations is required for additional languages set on the bot.
  • Multi-language voice bots can also be developed using machine translation for voice channel interactions. For more information, see Voice Channel.
  • Element properties on adaptive cards can be prevented from translation. For more information, see Adaptive Cards Steps.
  • The language selector on the webchat snippet is replaced with a World icon when Conversation Time Translation is enabled. This allows users to communicate in languages other than those set for the bot. The webchat snippet automatically adapts to the new language code, so if the user sends a voice message in a language different than the bot languages, the voice message is sent to the STT service in that language.

Note:  In DRUID 5.7 and higher, if Conversation Time Translation is enabled on the bot, the language selector on the webchat snippet is replaced with a World icon (non-selectable) because user can use other languages than the bot languages. The webchat snippet automatically adapts to the new language code, so if the user sends a voice message in a language different than the bot languages, the voice message is sent to the STT service in that language.

Using multiple machine translation services

Employing multiple machine translation service providers simultaneously can be advantageous for addressing languages not supported by a single provider.

To use services from both SDL and Azure Translator for Conversation Time Translation, specify the desired language codes for each provider in the Specific languages field.

Ensure unique language codes per provider to avoid errors. If the field is left empty, the provider with the empty field will handle any unspecified language codes. E.g., If you want to use Azure Translator for Maori (mri) language and SDL for all other languages, specific "mri" for Azure Translator and leave empty the field Specific languages for SDL.

Only one active machine translation services provider can have the Specific languages field empty. Attempting to leave the field empty for multiple providers will result in an error preventing the bot settings from being saved.