A translation algorithm was an algorithm within Federation Starfleet computers used to translate alien languages. While trapped aboard the Nyrian biosphere vessel, Captain Janeway and Tuvok were unable to read information on the location of imprisoned USS Voyager personnel as it was written in the Nyrian language. However, since the Nyrians had downloaded Voyager's cultural database, Tuvok suggested that Janeway tap into the translation algorithm. Doing so enabled the officers to read the data. (VOY: "Displaced")