A universal translator, or UT, was a device used to translate alien languages into a language which the user can understand.

As early as the 22nd century, communicators had U.T.s installed, while their wearers kept them out of view, while conversing. However, not all communicators were such. Self-contained systems (PADDs, tricorders etc.) and starship computers at this time didn't have them distributed throughout, internally. (ENT episodes: "Civilization", "Acquisition", "Precious Cargo") By the 24th century, this was common practice. (VOY episode: "The 37's")

Brain waves were known to play a role in experimentation of a totally incompatible dialect. Ergo, synthesizing a suitable voice print to match the speaker's sample. (TOS episode: "Metamorphosis"; TOS novel: First Frontier)

Some Hortas had universal translators attached to them to allow them to easily communicate with other lifeforms. In case of emergencies, such as a universal translator malfunction, Horta were also taught how to burn messages in Federation Standard as an alternative form of communications. (DS9 novel: Devil in the Sky)

In 2282 the translators used by the Gorn Hegemony only had a five meter range. (ST - Alien Spotlight comic: "Alien Spotlight: The Gorn")

23rd Century LimitationsEdit

Universal translators were often only able to re-produce sounds and not the dialect itself (without any known syntax of reference), resulting in gibberish, if used. (TOS movie: Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home; TAS episode: "The Counter-Clock Incident")

Jurisdictions outside the UFP often confiscated universal translators from those they captured - as ships could track down their signal and locate hostages. Also, when UTs were used aboard ships - especially in Klingon space - they are easily recognizable on two-way transmissions. (TOS movie: Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country)

24th Century LimitationsEdit

Universal translators did not easily cope with period slang, much to frustrations of often perplexed visitors to the Vic Fontaine holosuite program. (DS9 novel: Avatar)

UTs are still a progressing art and science, with many new introductions of speech. Damage and incomplete basis or analyses also have been known to cause them to be inoperative. (TNG episode: "Darmok"; DS9 episodes: "Sanctuary", "Babel", "Little Green Men"; VOY episode: "Hope and Fear")

ConnectionsEdit

• Universal translator article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.
• Universal translator article at Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.