Linguist

Linguist is an open-source browser extension that provides translation services for web pages, highlighted text, and subtitles. It functions as a standalone system that allows users to translate content within the browser without relying on a single commercial widget. The tool is designed to keep data under the control of the user.

The extension is available for Chrome and Firefox, and it can be installed on Android via Firefox Nightly or Chromium-based browsers that support extensions. It supports 130 languages and includes a variety of translation methods to ensure user privacy and flexibility. Users can translate private messages and subtitles on platforms such as Netflix directly within their browser interface.

Key features

• Modular translator system supporting various translation providers
• Offline translation using the embedded Bergamot translator
• Full-page translation with configurable auto-translation settings
• Translation of highlighted text and text inputs
• Personal dictionary for saving specific translations
• Translation history to track recently translated words
• Text-to-speech (TTS) for audio playback of translations
• Support for custom translator modules

Linguist is designed for users who want control over their translation backend and data privacy. Because it supports custom translator modules, users can integrate their own translation services or use popular third-party bindings. The architecture allows for local processing, meaning translation can happen on the device rather than on a remote server, which prevents the collection of personal data. This makes it a suitable choice for those who require a translation tool that does not transmit text to external servers by default.

For developers, the project is written in TypeScript and allows for the creation of new translator modules to expand the system's capabilities. The extension is intended for language learners and international web users who prioritize data sovereignty and flexibility in their translation workflow.

This tool serves as a privacy-focused utility for users seeking an independent translation software.