As someone who didn’t explore the world of Chrome extension for a long time, I feel like I missed out on all the fun. Chrome was always just another browser for me. I did not know I could use so many helpful tools within Chrome. From integrating productivity timers to project management, Chrome extensions have transformed my online activities.
As someone who speaks both English and Spanish, I find myself messing up both languages at times. This is because my Spanish is not great and I tend to forget English vocabulary.
With running a business and doing a part-time online job, I have to switch between the two languages a lot. This was becoming burdensome because I had to think a lot for vocabulary. That was, however, until I came across a Chrome extension that was made for someone like me.
So, in the spirit of Latino fraternidad, I am sharing the must-have Chrome extension every bilingual should be using.
What is So Great about Chrome Extensions?
Chrome extensions are programs installed in the Google Chrome browser. Each tool serves a different but specific purpose. However, ther main goal is to make our life a bit easier. Moreover, Chrome extensions are easier to manage instead of having separate software for different feats.
Here are some reasons why you should be using Chrome extensions as well:
- They enhance your online browsing experience.
- They increase productivity by automating menial tasks.
- They can tailor the browser according to our specific needs.
Best Chrome Extensions for Bilinguals
Let us get to the ones that I found most helpful for me in my English-Spanish switching. You can use these if you are a third-generation Latin American immigrant who needs to polish their Spanish. You can also use these if you are a Latin American immigrant, who is not fluent in English yet.
- Readlang Web Reader
Readlang Web Reader’s Chrome Extension is magical when it comes to working with multiple languages. It allows you to read a website in any language you want to. You can set your base language – the language you are most fluent in and then you set the language in which you need the content translated. You can also choose multiple languages at once. It has 110+ languages, from which you can choose from.
A Readlang toolbar appears on your browser page which lets you choose how the translated text appears on your screen. Having Readlang as an extension on your Chrome browser can minimize unnecessary English and Spanish switching for you. All you have to do is click on the word or phrase to translate it.
- Google Input Tools
There are days when I find myself wanting to type out a joke in Spanish for my team-members. But, it is pretty frustrating to find accented characters when typing in Spanish. The feat copy-pasting from another window almost makes me not want to crack that joke. Google Input Tools has proved to be life saver for me in this regard.
Google Input Tools pops up a virtual keyboard on your screen, of the language you want to type in. This keyboard features the script of the language. Moreover, it features over 90 languages and also has a handwriting feature for devices with a touch screen. It also has a transliteration feature, which means you can write your language in English, and it will transliterate it into the original script. Just make sure you have a steady internet connection throughout to ensure the extension is available to you at all times. In case of a patchy internet connection, you can contact Xfinity servicio al cliente to upgrade to a stable internet connection.
- Rememberry
Popularly known as a language-learning Chrome extension, Rememberry’s features are not just limited to translation. It also tells you the definition of words you are not familiar with. In fact, it can also read out loud the definition for you. All you have to do is highlight a word or phrase and right-click on it to click on the Rememberry icon on the browser.
On top of that, Rememberry is great at translating the word into multiple languages. It also tells you how the word looks like an adjective or a noun. There are word pronunciations also available in the Rememberry Chrome extension. You can also save the word into a card, for revising it later. There is also a reminder system for revising saved words. Lastly, Rememberry supports over 100 languages, including Spanish and English.
Key Points to Keep in Mind while Using Chrome Extensions
Chrome extensions are great! But that does not mean you can install just any extension on the internet. Here are some points to keep in mind:
- Make sure to only install extensions available on the Chrome Web Store.
- Extensions available on other sites have a high chance of having a malware that can attack your computer and data.
- Make sure to read each extension’s privacy policy to see how they use your browser data.
- Make sure to have an anti-virus software installed on your PC, as you can never be too careful.