Now you can read your Gmail messages in 41 languages

Google introduced an automatic translation option to its Gmail service. Now users can have their messages automatically translated into 41 languages. The new option is available both to individual Gmail users, as well as to people who use it as part of the Apps collaboration and communication suite for organizations.

Automatic translation within Gmail service is aimed at making communications among people who speak different languages easier. The feature will allow them to compose messages in their native tongues. In the Apps context, the feature should make it easier for organizations that do business in different countries to communicate internally with their employees and externally with partners and customers.

However, the translation service has its shortcomings, which is also recognized by Google. But the company says that even if mistakes creep into the text, recipients should be able, at the least, to get the gist of a message.

One article notes: “Once items have been translated they don't stay translated, which means you'll have to re-translate every time you're viewing that message again. The translated text is also not indexed into Gmail's search engine, which means you have to remember the word phrase in its original language to find it. Assuming you don't get too many e-mails in an alternate language this shouldn't be too much of a problem, though.”