International Translation Code

I have an idea that would really simplify travel to foreign countries. I am surprised that, as far as I know, no one else has thought of it. Today, most travellers have cell phones. Why not use this as a translation tool?

Many languages have well over 100,000 words. But only about 10,000 words are in common everyday use. Let's give each of these words a four-digit code from 0000 to 9999.

Numbers are the same throughout the world. Suppose you were in a building in a foreign country and you saw an incomprehensible word on a sign with a four-digit code above it such as 6347. You would simply click your cell phone (mobile) into translation mode and punch in the code. Your phone would display that the word translated as "elevators".

Suppose you were in the building and looking for the elevators. You would just click the phone into reverse translation mode and enter in the word "elevators" in your own language. Your phone would display that the International Translation Code for elevators was 6347. You would then proceed to look for that number on a sign in the building.

If you were trying to ask for information or directions and the person you were asking had no idea what you were saying, you would simply display the code for whatever it was you were asking for. The foreign person would look up the code and give you what you were requesting or point you in the right direction.

It is not important that the phone have coverage in the foreign country because the data would be stored in a memory chip in the phone. Each user would naturally have his phone programmed in his or her own language. Code numbers could be easily imprinted onto labels or placed on signs all over the world using the stick-on letters used on mail boxes.

Of course, such a simple system could not provide a genuine translation of a foreign language since grammar and syntax vary from one language to another. But for everyday travel, it would be very helpful.