Dictionary or Translator? : University Students’ Machine Translation Use, MT Literacy and Perceptions of the Technology

Abstract

This thesis explores students’ use of machine translation (MT), their attitudes and perceptions regarding the technology and different aspects of their MT literacy. These features are examined through data gathered in a survey given to a total of 111 Finnish university students, in three different groups, throughout the span of two years. The purpose of the survey is to ask students questions regarding the extent of their MT use, their use purposes in both academic and non-academic environments, as well as their thoughts regarding the usefulness, accuracy, strengths, weaknesses and suitable applications of the technology. The responses gathered are analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively, presenting both exact statistics and also showcasing emerging trends and popularly discussed themes. Survey results indicate widespread use of MT by students, primarily as an alternative for online dictionaries. MT is also used to translate shorter text segments in order to create rough drafts for students’ own translations, as well as translating foreign language texts to better understand them. Only a very small minority of students use MT more extensively, translating entire source texts, which they then post-edit. Students rate the accuracy of MT relatively low at 4.6/10 and usefulness slightly higher at 6.2/10, finding the technology usable and convenient despite its many issues. Most students have the ability to think critically about the weaknesses and strengths of MT, as well as identify suitable and unsuitable applications for it, exhibiting a moderate level of MT literacy. Some, however, tend to mis-understand the more technical (and sometimes even basic) functions of MT systems, mistakenly equating MT tools with other CAT tools and generative AI. The results found in this study offer valuable information regarding students MT use and literacy from the students’ own perspective, helping bring their MT use and opinions to the light. However, in order to gain a fuller picture of students’ skills and possible knowledge gaps in their MT literacy, further research comparing the survey results with students’ performance in practical tasks is recommended.