Machine translation in the multilingual classroom

Abstract Machine Translation (MT), the process by which a computer engine such as Google Translate or Bing automatically translates text from one language into another without any human involvement, is increasingly used in professional, institutional and everyday contexts for wide range of purposes. While growing number studies has looked at professional translators translation students, there currently lack research on non-translator users uses multilingual contexts. This paper presents survey examining how, when why students Leiden University’s Faculty Humanities use MT. A questionnaire was to determine MT engines what purposes, gauge their awareness issues concerning privacy, academic integrity plagiarism. The findings reveal widespread adoption indicate that predominantly look up single words, an alternative dictionary. Many seemed sceptical about value educational many assumed not permitted lecturers graded assignments, especially courses focusing skills. results demonstrate clear need more literacy. Students may practical training how MT, but much room improvement terms they it.