Could technology put an end to linguists?

A superb article from The Economist about the advent of computers being able to translate languages just like Star Trek’s Universal Translator, well almost.

http://www.economist.com/news/science-and-technology/21569014-simultaneous-translation-computer-getting-closer-conquering-babel?fsrc=scn/tw/te/pe/conqueringbabel

It may take some time for it to work out, but it is certainly possible. However, think of the implications it would have for languages as a subject to study at High school and at college or university. They could be made obsolete, which is a worrying though for colleagues and students.

Food for thought.