7. A computer-based system comprising: an audio input device; a speech to text module of the computer configured to recognize speech from a first user in a first language received at the audio input device and generate a text representation of the recognized speech; an audio return module configured to present the text representation of the recognized speech to the first user as synthesized speech; a user assessment module of the computer including a user feedback mechanism configured to accept an assessment from the first user and further including a signaling mechanism configured to send an interrupt signal contingent on the assessment; a translation module of the computer responsive to the interrupt signal configured to translate the text representation to a translation in a second language; a speech synthesis module of the computer responsive to the interrupt signal configured to synthesize an audio signal from the translation; and an audio output device of the computer responsive to the interrupt signal configured to audibly output the audio signal, wherein the user feedback mechanism is configured to accept the assessment from the first user concurrently with operation of at least one of the translation module and the speech synthesis module.
7. A computer-based system comprising: an audio input device; a speech to text module of the computer configured to recognize speech from a first user in a first language received at the audio input device and generate a text representation of the recognized speech; an audio return module configured to present the text representation of the recognized speech to the first user as synthesized speech; a user assessment module of the computer including a user feedback mechanism configured to accept an assessment from the first user and further including a signaling mechanism configured to send an interrupt signal contingent on the assessment; a translation module of the computer responsive to the interrupt signal configured to translate the text representation to a translation in a second language; a speech synthesis module of the computer responsive to the interrupt signal configured to synthesize an audio signal from the translation; and an audio output device of the computer responsive to the interrupt signal configured to audibly output the audio signal, wherein the user feedback mechanism is configured to accept the assessment from the first user concurrently with operation of at least one of the translation module and the speech synthesis module. 11. The computer-based system of claim 7 , further comprising an indicator having a state related to the assessment from the first user.