Introducing Machine Translation in the Translation Classroom: a Survey on Students’ Attitudes and Perceptions

Abstract

The translation sector is going under major changes that will undoubtedly be accentuated in the future owing to the development of automation and artificial intelligence, and more specifically, of machine translation. Technology also plays a crucial role in the translation process and has a significant impact on translation competence. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that translator programs incorporate new translation technology into their curriculums in order to ensure that students are made aware of their usefulness in order to fulfil industry employment needs. This piece of research strives at mapping how and what for translation students use MT, and what are their attitudes and perceptions towards its use. Findings of a qualitative analysis indicate that undergraduate students have a positive general attitude towards MT and its many advantages, whereas they show preoccupation when MT professional issues are addressed.

Keywords

• machine translation
• translation didactics
• students’ attitudes and perceptions
• qualitative research
• thematic analysis