Sustainability and Influence of Machine Translation: Perceptions and Attitudes of Translation Instructors and Learners in Hong Kong

Abstract

In this era of globalisation, translation technologies have become more popular in daily communication, the education sector, and the translation industry. It is observed that there is a prevalent use of machine translation (MT) among translation learners. The proper use versus abuse of MT can be a critical issue regarding its role in and impact on translation teaching. This exploratory study aims at investigating learners’ and instructors’ knowledge of MT, experience in MT use, perceived MT quality, ethics of MT use, and the perceived relationship between MT and translation training, in order to figure out the usefulness of MT in translation competence acquisition and the necessity of MT training. To this end, we conducted surveys and semi-structured interviews and found that the influence of MT in translation competence acquisition is determined by the properties of MT and learners’ quality. MT is particularly helpful in gaining lexical knowledge and knowledge to ensure translation efficiency, but not in bicultural knowledge. However, such usefulness builds on learners’ language proficiency, analytic ability, and learning motivation. In light of the findings, issues including the sustainability of MT from ethical and linguistic perspectives, and the potential and proper use of MT to inform translator training, are discussed.

Investigating students’ attitudes towards translation technology: The status quo and structural relations with translation mindsets and future work self

“…However, they may still be concerned about some TT flaws: for instance, producing various errors and unnatural expressions, impeding the selection efficiency, or undercutting their creativity, etc. ( Briggs, 2018 ; Liu et al, 2022 ; Rico and Gonzalez Pastor, 2022 ). These mixed perceptions may contribute to their belief that translation technology is only slightly effective for their translation, and they should be cautious of it.…”

“…However, the existing literature predominantly emphasizes the course design itself, painting an impersonal picture of students as the recipients. Little research has investigated the human factors associated with students’ translation technology learning and use, such as their attitudes ( Liu et al, 2022 ). In fact, attitudes, which gain universal recognition as a critical factor in students’ acceptance of technologies ( Vandewaetere and Desmet, 2009 ; Zarrinabadi et al, 2022 ), are very much related to the degree to which TTT is successful ( Alcina et al, 2007 ).…”

The Effect of Critical Thinking on Translation Technology Competence Among College Students: The Chain Mediating Role of Academic Self-Efficacy and Cultural Intelligence

“…46,47 Such technological advancements have led to more sophisticated and efficient language and translation systems than ever before, which are proving to be a powerful tool for improving translation performance. 48 The capability to employ such tools has become a critical skill that associates with other competences to promote translation proficiency. 49 This transition has been a significant change in the field of translation, allowing more efficient and effective translation practices.…”

“…53 The widespread application of machine translation in educational endeavors showed that machine translation has contributed to the growth and acquisition of students' translation competence. 48 It increases students' knowledge of the source and target languages and their ability to transfer information between them. 54…”

“…They need to mobilize their professional knowledge, linguistic competence, and psychological resources to make the best choice in choosing the translation technologies and achieving the translation Skopos. 48 The effectiveness of unseen processes and activities in the translator's mind is largely dependent on critical thinking. By engaging in this cognitive process, students are better able to identify and solve problems and make decisions that are based on reasoned arguments and evidence.…”