Translation of human languages was one of the first applications considered for digital computers. Indeed, the idea of mechanizing translation predated the invention of such machines, but it was only after World War II, when digital computers became generally available, that Machine Translation (MT) was taken up seriously [4]. This paper explores the field or MT from the viewpoint of an American researcher/developer, and is intended for nonspecialists. We will not dwell on historical details; see [4] for an introduction. Nor will we present a comprehensive survey of MT systems, nor a long bibliography, since [10], [11] provide these. Instead, we will concentrate on aspects of R & D that, in the author's opinion, are of critical importance in developing any large-scale Natural Language Processing (NLP) application, which MT exemplifies. Case studies will be drawn from our experience in developing an MT system that is now being marketed. For context, surrounding sections of this paper will sketch the history of MT, then outline the nature of the translation problem, present various methodological approaches to solving the problem, and, following the discussion of R & D issues, consider future directions for MT research.

We discuss a recently launched, long-term project in natural language processing, the primary concern of which is that natural language applications be transportable among human languages. In particular, we seek to develop system tools and linguistic processing techniques that are themselves language-independent to the maximum extent practical. In this paper we discuss our project goals and outline our intended approach, address some cross-linguistic requirements, and then present some new linguistic data that we feel support our approach.

Elements ot the history, state of the art, and probable future of Machine Translation (MT) are discussed.The treatment is largely tutorial, based on the assumption that this audience is, for the most part, ignorant of matters pertaining to translation in general, and MT in particular.The paper covers some of the major MT R&D groups, the general techniques they employ(ed), and the roles they play(ed) in the development of the field.The conclusions concern the seeming permanence of the translation problem, and potential re-integration of MT with mainstream Computational Linguistics.

Americanae nace como un proyecto conjunto que surge dentro de la Red Europea de Información y Documentación sobre América Latina (REDIAL), y que ha afrontado la Biblioteca de la Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID). Esta nueva biblioteca virtual hace más accesibles los libros digitales de tema americanista a los investigadores y usuarios interesados de cualquier parte del mundo.

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Aspects of an intelligent interface that provides natural language access to a large body of data distributed over a computer network are described. The overall system architecture is presented, showing how a user is buffered from the actual database management systems (DBMSs) by three layers of insulating components. These layers operate in series to convert natural language queries into calls to DBMSs at remote sites. Attention is then focused on the first of the insulating components, the natural language system. A pragmatic approach to language access that has proved useful for building interfaces to databases is described and illustrated by examples. Special language features that increase system usability, such as spelling correction, processing of incomplete inputs, and run-time system personalization, are also discussed. The language system is contrasted with other work in applied natural language processing, and the system's limitations are analyzed.