The use of google translate in English language learning: How students view it
List of Authors
  • Lam Kok Wei

Keyword
  • Google Translate, English language learning, machine translation

Abstract
  • This study examines students’ perceptions on the use of Google Translate in their English language learning. Though Google Translate may not be employed as a formal teaching/learning tool in the classroom, it is unavoidably one of the most used language learning applications among tertiary-level students in Malaysia (Chan & Ang, 2017). Therefore, the purpose of the study is to investigate 1) to what extend Google Translate is used in students’ language learning, and 2) how the students view the use of Google Translate in helping them learn English language. In the survey study, a set of questionnaire adapted from previous studies was distributed to diploma students in a Malaysian polytechnic. The results of this preliminary study showed that the respondents were generally positive towards the use of Google Translate in their language learning, while being aware of the limitations of Google Translate in translating longer sentences, paragraphs and texts. Such findings ought to provide insights on how Google Translate can be utilised in both formal and informal language learning.

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