System for automated translation of speech

A system for conversing in a plurality of languages comprising:

• a plurality of personal computers equipped with access software adapted to connect said personal computer to a host computer;
• speech recognition software at said plurality of personal computers for originating electronic communications;
• a conference manager at said host computer for managing electronic conference areas, said conference manager adapted to receive said electronic communications from said plurality of personal computers and post said electronic communications at electronic conference areas;
• a translation server for translating electronic communications from a first language to a second language in accordance with a batch process;
• and
• a plurality of electronic conference areas comprising untranslated and translated electronic communications, said electronic communications accessible to said plurality of personal computers in accordance with said conference manager.

A method for conversing in a plurality of languages, comprising the steps of:

• connecting to a first personal computer to a first conference area adapted for processing of messages in accordance with a first language;
• connecting a second personal computer to a second conference area adapted for processing of messages in accordance with a second language;
• converting a message from a user at said first personal computer from speech-to-text;
• transmitting said converted text message to said first conference area;
• translating said converted text message from said first language to said second language in accordance wit a machine translator adapted to batch process text messages;
• posting said translated text message to said second conference area;
• and
• transmitting said translated text message to said second personal computer.