Phrase translator used in Mideast
From the Washington Times.
While a system that picks from a selection of prerecorded phrases to match what you are saying seems more primitive than a real translator, it is probably better in the long run.
All the prerecorded phrases can be checked for possible insults and guaranteed benign.
A real computerized translator could make some unpleasant mistakes.
("WHAT did that box say about my mother?")