Scratch
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#1 2010-06-30 22:36:50
Add language detection technology to avoid project notes misflagging
I got the "potentially inappropriate language" message for one of my projects and the notes I wrote were in Spanish! I was quite surprised. I double checked the notes to see where would they contain an inappropriate word or phrasing but there is nothing wrong, I speak Spanish natively.
I think language detection technology is widely available nowadays, it could be a nice addition to the automatic filter, and non-English speakers will appreciate it. If the filter can detect that the project notes are written in a foreign language it can switch to the appropriate filter version if available.
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#2 2010-06-30 23:16:18
Re: Add language detection technology to avoid project notes misflagging
Are you sure there is not a hint of any inappropriate language in your project aswell? A hint means a substitute or something that was offensive to some race or culture.
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
~ Eleanor Roosevelt
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#5 2010-06-30 23:42:21
Re: Add language detection technology to avoid project notes misflagging
I ended up writting the notes in English and my translation went ok. I don't have a copy of the text I wrote in Spanish but it used a lot the word "barras" (bars) because it is a game where the cat jumps into bars.
The filter translates the notes if they are not in English? Wow, then it already has a language detector.
The project is this: http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/litomd/1163568
If I ever have that problem again I will save the original text just to learn what it can be.
Thanks!
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#7 2010-07-01 10:43:07
Re: Add language detection technology to avoid project notes misflagging
Well, I certainly think language detection technology would be a great addition to the website - it's definitely more respectful to other languages, and prevents any accidental spam prevention.
Me likes 
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#8 2010-07-06 09:50:18
Re: Add language detection technology to avoid project notes misflagging
I understand the concern regarding offensive language, no one should enter the Scratch web site and find a word or phrase that may indicate that this web site is not suitable for kids, the hints mechanism is ok, but it would be easy to detect the language in which the notes are written and display a sign that alerts the user that the notes are in foreign language and even display the name of the language, or hide the notes and show a link with the words "notes in Spanish (Italian, French, etc.)"
I can write the notes of my projects (or my children's projects) in English, just to avoid any word that may result offensive if written in Spanish, but that is something that tells a wrong story about the Scratch web site: it is not intended for international use, it is just a translation into multiple languages but when you have content for the site you must write in English.
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