Friday, May 23, 2003
Pocket PCs Help Soldiers Communicate in Afghanistan
Posted by Crystal Eitle in "THOUGHT" @ 01:46 PM
This is very cool. Check out this thread for a description of how U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan are using Pocket PCs to smooth the way with locals by communicating with them in their own language. The Pocket PCs contain several phrases recorded in Pashtu; the soldiers choose from among these and play the relevant message.
This reminds me of what is, to me, one of the most enthralling aspects of science fiction, which is its ability to portray utopic (or at least more enlightened) societies. A key component of these idealized futures is the elimination of the language barrier; if individuals can understand one another, that eliminates at least one reason to fight, and opens the possibility of working things out peacefully.
The person who wrote the post says it best:
"Ultimately, I don't think the iPaq per se is the ultimate answer, even in that weatherproof red case for a variety of reasons. But it is proving out that some form of PDA is enough of an asset that soldiers clamor for it prior to a mission; it's really helping them out. And the added bonus is that it's reducing tensions and problems with the locals. 99.8% of this country is filled with wonderful people; we've got to treat them with the respect and dignity that they deserve while still accomplishing the mission at hand."
This reminds me of what is, to me, one of the most enthralling aspects of science fiction, which is its ability to portray utopic (or at least more enlightened) societies. A key component of these idealized futures is the elimination of the language barrier; if individuals can understand one another, that eliminates at least one reason to fight, and opens the possibility of working things out peacefully.
The person who wrote the post says it best:
"Ultimately, I don't think the iPaq per se is the ultimate answer, even in that weatherproof red case for a variety of reasons. But it is proving out that some form of PDA is enough of an asset that soldiers clamor for it prior to a mission; it's really helping them out. And the added bonus is that it's reducing tensions and problems with the locals. 99.8% of this country is filled with wonderful people; we've got to treat them with the respect and dignity that they deserve while still accomplishing the mission at hand."
