Troops’ translator device unveiled

A TRANSLATION device worn like a wristwatch is being proposed to help British soldiers overcome language barriers and ease tense situations in Iraq.

Voice recognition-based technology would aid troops and civilians in high-risk and “hot zone” situations by translating buzz phrases such as “Don’t shoot”, “Stay back” and “Help will be here soon”.

The technology — the idea of an Iraqi-born student who fled Baghdad before the war — is still a work-in-progress but research found an enthusiastic response from troops.