Spruik wrote:Is there software for that?

topaz18046 wrote:Google Translate should do it. There is a little speaker icon when pressed will say the words in a computerspeak tone. I recently visited Vietnam and compiled some basic terms in a phonetic way (i.e, sounds like). Hello, yes, no, how much?, Too much, Thank you and Goodbye. There are more than one translator site so it might pay to get a second opinion on pronunciation. YouTube has small tutorials on learning language basics also. I once read that any language can be learnt within six months just by knowing: 16 vowels, 16 adverbs and 16 nouns. I may have it mixed up so you should look into that...if you want to go to the trouble of learning the lingo. I was in Tokyo some years ago and I found that if I went into an eatery I merely had to point at a photo on the wall or at a fellow patron's dish and they know exactly what you want. If you can pick up some basic phrases they will bow to you like royalty. On a railway platform I merely had to look at a timetable and within two minutes an English speaking Japanese would offer assistance. Too expensive for me though, especially in a disco. In 1993 I was charged $10 for a glass of coca cola. I looked at the bartender...an American...and said you're joking? He just gave me a dirty look. Having just filled the glass with ice and put as little as 2 ounces in it I am not really surprised.