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(this is a long post, but it’s my interpretation on how a ‘universal translator’ without mind reading software would actually work. Hope this helps you in some way!)
How to use the Universal Translator - Registering a New Language
First, prepare an object the target would be curious towards. It is recommended to use either the device the Translator software is on itself, but that may not elicit too much curiosity from civilisations with similar levels or types of technology. You may also use this as an opportunity to familiarise the target with equipment or items you will use later on, like medical supplies or transport.
Next, begin speaking, signing, or gesturing at the object, though they currently cannot understand you. Keep the Translator on Recording mode, and depending on how the target appears to communicate, switch between Audio/Visual modes as necessary (more modes will be added in the next update.) The aim is to provoke the target into asking, “What’s that”, or something similar/equivalent. When you believe the target has communicated such a phrase, select the phrase (now without the need to directly playback! Use the Translator’s in-built intelligent phrase detection system to select entire syllables, snippets, and cut out the hassle!), double-check, and select Save > New Language, where the phrase will automatically be saved in the first slot and labelled appropriately.
Now, switch to Replay mode. Using the recorded phrase, you can now ask what their word for certain things are. For example, you could point to them (be aware to not appear aggressive) to learn how they refer to themselves. You could also point to an object they do not know of and ask them how they would refer to that; which would likely give you a way to say ‘I don’t know’.
Remember to swap to Recording mode and to labelled saved phrases with your best guess!
Eventually, you should have a rudimentary way to communicate; barring that, a way to learn to communicate. Meanwhile, the Translator software will be cross-referencing and searching for patterns in the saved phrases to find individual words or the rules of the language.
Update: Grammar can now be mostly inferred after one hour of total saved phrases! Switch to Catalog mode to find all the inferences made (now with the ability to sort between grammar, repeated words detected, etc.!)
With luck, you will be able to communicate peacefully and clearly with the target. Hope you enjoy using the Universal Translator software!
Please be aware that due to the amendments made to the Knowledge Pooling for the Benefit of All (KPftBoA), the language file will be made public on the Universal Translator’s database once an actual language is detected. This is not opt-in. Thank you!