I think I just killed Google Translate (at least for myself)
I just wanted to talk to people naturally. So I built SwiftIn to scratch my own itch.
I didn't want to build just another translator. I wanted a tool that would actually help me learn while I communicate, without feeling like I'm studying.
Now, I'm picking up the language much easier than before. The workflow is super simple but incredibly convenient:
When I read: I see the original text side-by-side with my native language, which helps my brain link words together naturally.
When I write: I type in my own language, and it smoothly translates my thoughts into whatever language my interlocutor or the community uses.
It no longer feels like a barrier. It just feels like I’m finally part of the conversation.
I’m curious for those of you who hang out in international communities or work with global clients: how do you deal with the language barrier? Do you rely on standard translators, or have you found a better workflow?
What stood out to me wasn't the translation part.
It was the fact that you're trying to make communication and language learning happen at the same time.
Those can reinforce each other, but they can also pull user expectations in completely different directions.
And what would you do if you were in my place?
That's the kind of question where a one-paragraph answer is usually worse than no answer.
Happy to share the fuller thought if you want to continue it by email.