Breaking The Language Barrier In North Andover

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The North Andover school district has a new tool helping to break through the language barrier.

It's a language translation machine operated by approved users that looks like a printer or scanner.

The machine takes a document or flyer in English, translates it into any requested foreign language, and then prints it out.

It also works the other way around translating foreign languages into English.

Superintendent Greg Gilligan called the machine "remarkable" and a huge benefit considering there are now some 41 languages spoken in his school district.

He said that as an example "The Brazilian-Portuguese numbers have grown in the last few years."

He also said the translation machine opens up better communications with students and their families. "It really fits with being an inclusive community."

WBZ's Chaiel Schaffel ( @CSchaffelWBZ ) reports.

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