Why ?
I’ve always been interested in how we use language technologies, especially when translation becomes more than simply converting one language into another.
So I started building Sayto.
Sayto is a web application that combines translation with features such as voice interaction, translation history, favourites, statistics and personalised suggestions.
The goal isn't to build another Google Translate.
How it works
The current version is built with:
- HTML, CSS and JavaScript
- Node.js + Express
- LibreTranslate
- Docker
The frontend communicates with a Node.js backend, which handles translation and other application features.
For translation itself, Sayto uses a local LibreTranslate instance running in Docker.
I've also experimented with browser speech recognition to make voice input possible.
The role of LibreTranslate
LibreTranslate is currently at the heart of Sayto's translation system.
I'm using it because it gives me a practical way to experiment with the application and focus on the user experience, voice interaction, personalisation and other features around translation.
But I don't want Sayto to depend on LibreTranslate forever.
One of my long-term goals is to develop my own translation model and eventually integrate it into Sayto.
For me, LibreTranslate is therefore not the end goal. It's part of the foundation that allows me to build and experiment today while working towards something more ambitious.
Where I want to take it
I'm still exploring what Sayto could become.
I'd like to investigate how translation, voice interaction and usage data could be combined to create a more personalised language experience.
I'm also interested in getting feedback from developers, language-learning experts and anyone working with educational or language technologies.
If you were building Sayto, what would you explore next?
I'd genuinely like to hear your ideas.
Top comments (1)
Where it is now ?
Sayto is already functional, and I'm continuing to experiment with its architecture and features.
In a follow-up post, I'll share some real views of the application and show how Sayto currently works from the user's perspective. Including gitHub repository and live demo.