THE IMPACT OF GOOGLE TRANSLATE

ON LEARNING ENGLISH WRITING FOR

BUSINESS ENGLISH COMMUNICATION STUDENTS

OLEH:
MUH. NAUFAL SULAEMAN / 200512602016
NUR ELISA SYAMRIA PUTRI S. / 200512602023
FIRA RIZKY SUCIANA ZALSABILLA / 200512602049
A. NUR ARIFA ZATI RAJWA / 200512602057
RESKI MARDIANI / 200512602071
YELENA / 200512602089

PROGRAM STUDI BAHASA INGGRIS

JURUSAN BAHASA INGGRIS
FAKULTAS BAHASA DAN SASTRA
UNIVERSITAS NEGERI MAKASSAR
2023
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
 TABLE OF CONTENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENT
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background
B. Research Questions
C. Objectives of the research
D. Significances of the research
CHAPTER II
LITERATURE REVIEW
A. Theoritical Review
B. Conceptual Framework
 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
A. Background

In this modern era, there are many dictionaries available on the market to help students needs
in learning English; starting from dictionaries published by national publishers, to dictionaries
published by international publishers. In fact, because technological sophistication is advancing so
rapidly, many people choose to use digital dictionaries. This is because there are many digital
dictionaries that can be accessed and used for free via the internet. One of the digital translation tools
is Google Translate. According to Maulida (2017:58), Google Translate is a translation service
provided by Google to translate text, speech, images, sites or real-time videos from one language to
another. Examples include Indonesian to English or English to Indonesian.

Google translate (GT) as one of the products promoted by Google is one of the most popular
free multilingual translation tools currently. Because English is still considered a foreign language in
Indonesia, many Indonesian students, even university students, use GT to help them learn languages,
one of which is English. This tool tends to help students get translations quickly and easily.

(Maulida, 2017), revealed that Google translate has several benefits that can be used by its
users. These benefits are as a translator, as an online dictionary, spell checker and as a tool for
learning foreign languages. According to Saputra (2017) Google Translate also has several useful
features, these features are speech recognition, alternative translation, word alignment, language
exchange, and word formation. Medvedev (2016) expressed his opinion about the advantages of
Google Translate which has free access. Users only need to open the website in a browser or
download the application on their gadget to use it. The process is also instant, with just one click the
user can get it. According to Maulida (2017), apart from having advantages, Google Translate also
has disadvantages which will have an impact on its users. Most discussed are errors in translation of
sentences or longer texts. Santoso (2010) stated that GT cannot handle idioms or figurative language.
Furthermore, he added that the length of the text determines the quality of the translation; the shorter
the text, the better the results.

In relation to English writing, Google Translate plays an important role in students' writing
process, however, writing skills are considered a difficult skill for some students due to limited
vocabulary and weaknesses in grammar. (Al-Badi, 2011) states that of the four main skills in English,
writing is considered a skill that is difficult for students to master. The reason for this problem is that
writing skills have many factors that students need to master to achieve better writing performance,
for example the suitability between subject and verb, word order and expression.

Google Translate is one of the applications most widely used by students in the English
Department, State University in Makassar. For them, using GT can make learning easier or while
doing their assignments. However, sometimes they forget that using GT makes the vocabulary in their
writing activities look irregular. So, we are interested in conducting research regarding the use of GT
in students' writing processes, where in this case it is known that students do not use GT effectively
so that their writing process looks irregular or has low quality writing. So, it is known that GT is a
product that is lacking in terms of writing, but quite a few students realize that they still use GT in
their writing process.

Based on the results of research conducted by Fitriani et al (2021) regarding Google Translate
on students ' writing skills, it was found that students often use Google Translate to help them find
equivalent words or sentences from Indonesian into English. Apart from that, the research results also
stated that students used Google Translate as a tool that acts as a spell-checker.

Many studies focus on this translator to find out Google Translate errors and rarely discuss
the impact of Google Translate in learning to write English for students. Therefore, this research aims
to find out more about the impact of Google Translate on learning to write English by involving
respondents from Business English Communication students, Faculty of Language and Literature,
Makassar State University.

B. Research Questions

Based on the background above, the researcher formulates two research questions as
follows:

1. How do Business English Communication students use Google Translate in learning

English Writing?

2. What is the impact of using Google Translate on Business English Communication

students in learning English Writing?

C. Objectives of the research

 For the research question above, this research aimed to reveal the expected results,
follows:

1. To find out and describe the ways the students use Google Translate in learning
English Writing

2. Identify and describe the impact of using Google Translate in learning English Writing

D. Significances of the research

The results of this research will be expected to contribute to the study of learning English
as a foreign language using digital application and for practical significances the results of this
study will be contributed to profited information about practices of using Google Translate in
learning English Writing.
 CHAPTER II
LITERATURE REVIEW

A. Theoretical Review

1. Google Translate
Google Translate is a machine translation tool offered by Google for converting text from
one language into another. It serves as a valuable resource for enhancing students' writing
abilities, reading comprehension, and vocabulary development. With its extensive language
support, Google Translate covers more than 100 languages worldwide. Accessible through
computers and smartphones, it offers both online and offline translation capabilities to
accommodate various situations. Users can employ this tool in multiple ways, including typing,
speaking, taking pictures, or scanning text for translation. When users need to translate text
quickly, they can input words or sentences through the typing function. For translating spoken
conversations, the "talk" feature proves to be most effective. Additionally, for translating text
from images, the "snap" and "see" features are highly convenient options. Furthermore, Google
Translate offers offline translation to cater to users without an internet connection.

a. Goole translate Function

Google Translate serves as a multifaceted online translation tool, offering an array of

functionalities that extend beyond simple language conversion. At its core, Google Translate
is designed to facilitate communication and comprehension among individuals who speak
different languages. It acts as a conduit, enabling users to translate text, documents, and even
spoken words from one language to another. One of its central functions is text translation.
Users can input text or phrases in one language and receive translations in their chosen target
language. This feature proves invaluable for individuals seeking to bridge language barriers
for a multitude of purposes, whether for personal communication, professional translation, or
educational endeavors.

Beyond basic text translation, Google Translate extends its capabilities to document
translation. Users have the ability to upload documents in various formats, such as Word
documents or PDFs, and obtain translated versions in the language of their preference. This
feature streamlines tasks such as translating contracts, academic papers, or business
documents, simplifying cross-linguistic communication.

Moreover, Google Translate offers spoken language translation through its speech
recognition capabilities. Users can verbally communicate or dictate sentences in one
language, and the tool provides real-time spoken translations. This functionality proves
beneficial for travelers, language learners, and individuals engaged in multilingual
conversations.

In addition to practical translation services, Google Translate plays a pivotal role in

language learning. It empowers users to explore and compare translations, aiding in language
comprehension and acquisition. Language learners often utilize the tool to verify their
writing, expand their vocabulary, and gain insights into the structure and nuances of different
languages.

Another noteworthy function is visual translation, which enables users to translate

text from images captured by their device's camera. This feature proves particularly useful for
travelers deciphering foreign signage, menus, or written instructions. Furthermore, Google
Translate serves as an essential tool for businesses engaging in global communication.
Enterprises can harness its translation services to access international markets, translate
websites, and engage with a diverse customer base worldwide.

Google Translates' commitment to promoting inclusive communication is evident

through its support for a wide array of languages, including less widely spoken and
endangered languages. This fosters linguistic diversity and ensures that individuals from
diverse linguistic backgrounds can access information and engage in cross-cultural dialogue.

b. Google translate accuracy and Limitation

Google Translate, a widely used machine translation tool, offers a convenient means
to overcome language barriers, but it comes with certain considerations regarding its accuracy
and inherent limitations. In terms of accuracy, Google Translate excels at providing quick
translations for common phrases and straightforward sentences. It can be a valuable tool for
gaining a general understanding of a text in a foreign language. However, the level of
accuracy is influenced by several factors:
 Complex Sentence Structure: Google Translate may struggle with complex sentence
structures, resulting in translations that lack fluency or fail to convey the intended meaning
accurately. This limitation is particularly pronounced when translating texts with intricate
grammatical constructions.

Contextual Nuances: The tool may have difficulty capturing subtle contextual nuances,
idiomatic expressions, or cultural references that are embedded in the source text. This can
lead to translations that miss the finer points of the original message.

Specialized Terminology: Google Translate may not be well-equipped to handle texts

containing specialized terminology, such as legal or scientific documents. It may produce
translations that lack precision or domain-specific knowledge.

Cultural Sensitivity: The tool may not always consider cultural sensitivities, resulting in
translations that are culturally inappropriate or insensitive in certain contexts.

Ambiguities: Ambiguous phrases or words in the source text can lead to inaccurate
translations, as Google Translate may not always discern the intended meaning.

Less Common Languages: For languages with fewer speakers or less available training data,
the quality of translations can be lower, and certain language pairs may have limited support
or accuracy.

Evolution of Language: Languages evolve over time, and Google Translate may not keep
pace with the latest linguistic trends and changes in idiomatic expressions.

While Google Translate has made significant strides in improving its translations through
machine learning and artificial intelligence, it is crucial to recognize that it remains a tool that
augments human translation rather than replacing it, particularly in contexts that demand
precision, nuance, and cultural awareness.

2. Translation
a. Translation Definition
The process of transferring a document or piece of material from one language—the
source language into another target language is called translation. By following this procedure,
the original text's intent, style, and spirit are preserved while the meaning is kept intact. It covers
the translation from the source language to the target language of not just the exact words but also
the cultural nuances, idiomatic phrases, and contextual nuances. (Munday, J. 2012). Translation is
 the process of expressing the intended meaning of a text written in one language by producing an
equivalent text in another language. The primary objective is to ensure that the resulting text in
the target language faithfully represents the original source in terms of content, tone, and style.
Achieving this goal demands a profound comprehension of both the source and target languages,
along with the skill to overcome linguistic and cultural disparities to maintain the integrity of the
message. (Newmark, P. 1988).

b. Translation Function
Translation serves as a crucial link between languages, cultures, and concepts, going
beyond mere language conversion to fulfilling a range of essential roles. At its core, translation
involves conveying meaning from one language (source language) to another (target language),
while preserving the essence, nuances, and original intent of the text.

One of its primary functions is facilitating effective communication across language

barriers. Translation acts as a vital intermediary, enabling individuals who speak different
languages to engage in meaningful conversations and grasp the intended messages. This role
applies to everyday interactions and high-stakes international negotiations, where translation
helps bridge linguistic divides.

Translation's impact extends to the realms of culture and artistic expression. It serves as a
key to unlock a world of literature, art, and entertainment from diverse global sources. Without
translation, literary treasures, cinematic masterpieces, and musical compositions might remain
confined to their native languages, inaccessible to those who lack fluency in the source language.
It enriches our cultural landscape by enabling the exchange of ideas and artistic creations.

In the context of education and research, translation functions as a powerful tool. It

empowers learners and scholars by providing access to a vast pool of knowledge and information
in various languages. It facilitates academic pursuits, allowing individuals to engage with and
contribute to global scholarship by overcoming language barriers.

In the business and commercial domain, translation is an indispensable asset. It facilitates

international trade by enabling companies to market their products and services to a global
audience. It aids in negotiations, contract agreements, and collaborations with partners from
diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Additionally, translation plays a crucial role in legal and diplomatic affairs, ensuring the
accurate interpretation of international agreements, treaties, and legal documents. It acts as the
 linchpin of diplomacy, promoting mutual understanding among nations and facilitating peaceful
conflict resolutions.

Beyond its practical applications, translation also serves as a custodian of cultural

heritage. It documents languages, traditions, and wisdom that might otherwise be at risk of fading
away. In this way, it preserves the essence of cultures and ensures their continuity for future
generations.

This multifaceted role of translation sets the stage for our exploration of the impact of
modern technology, specifically Google Translate, on the development of English writing skills
among business communication students. Recognizing the inherent functions of translation offers
a nuanced perspective for examining the potential implications and challenges posed by digital
translation tools in the context of language learning and communication.

c. Methods and Approaches

Translation methods and approaches encompass a range of strategies and techniques that
translators employ when rendering a text from one language into another. These methods and
approaches are influenced by various factors, including the objectives of the translation, the
characteristics of the source text, and the intended audience of the target text.

One prominent approach is literal translation, where the primary goal is to retain the
structural and grammatical elements of the source text as faithfully as possible in the target
language. This method prioritizes maintaining the form of the original text, even if it leads to
somewhat awkward or less natural language in the translation. The emphasis here is on
preserving the source text's fidelity.

Conversely, free translation takes a different route. In this approach, the focus shifts from
mirroring the form to conveying the essence and meaning of the source text. Translators have
greater flexibility to rephrase and adapt the content, making it more fluid and culturally
appropriate in the target language. The essence of the message takes precedence over the form.

Another influential approach is dynamic equivalence, a concept developed by Eugene

Nida. Dynamic equivalence strives to capture the functional or communicative equivalence
between the source and target texts. Here, the aim is to replicate the impact of the source text on
the target audience, even if it means rewording or restructuring the content to achieve the same
effect.
 Cultural translation is an approach that goes beyond mere linguistic translation. It
recognizes and accommodates the cultural disparities between the source and target cultures.
Translators may adapt cultural references, idioms, and concepts to ensure that they resonate with
and make sense to the target audience, considering cultural nuances.

Functional translation, on the other hand, centers on the intended function or purpose of
the target text. Translators strive to maintain the same communicative function as the source text,
even if the wording and structure differ. This approach ensures that the translation serves the
same pragmatic purpose as the original text.

In the realm of translation, there are also distinctions between interlingual translation and
intralingual translation. Interlingual translation involves the transfer of content from one language
to another, paying close attention to linguistic disparities. This method is often employed in
technical or scientific contexts where precision is paramount. Intralingual translation, conversely,
occurs within the same language. It entails rephrasing or adapting a text for a different audience
or purpose, often seen in paraphrasing, simplifying, or summarizing.

In more specialized contexts like audiovisual content, translation methods fall under the
category of audiovisual translation (AVT). AVT methods, such as subtitling, dubbing, and voice-
over, focus on ensuring that the translated content aligns seamlessly with the timing and
constraints of the audiovisual medium.

These translation methods and approaches provide a toolkit for translators to navigate the
complexities of language, culture, and communication, tailoring their strategies to meet specific
goals and challenges.

3. English writing
a. Defenition of English Writing
English writing refers to the process of expressing thoughts, ideas, information, or
emotions in the English language through written text. It is a versatile and essential mode of
communication that encompasses various forms and styles, serving as a means to convey
messages, create narratives, inform, persuade, and much more.

In the realm of English writing, individuals harness the power of words to craft sentences,
paragraphs, and compositions that are coherent, organized, and tailored to their intended audience
 and purpose. This endeavor involves mastering elements of language such as grammar, syntax,
vocabulary, punctuation, and rhetorical strategies to effectively communicate and engage readers.

b. Function of english Writing

The function of English writing is multifaceted and pivotal in both personal and
professional spheres. At its core, English writing serves as a powerful means of communication
and expression, enabling individuals to convey thoughts, ideas, information, and emotions
through the written word in the English language.

One of its primary functions is communication. English writing allows people to share
their experiences, perspectives, and insights with others, transcending geographical and cultural
boundaries. It plays a fundamental role in everyday life, from exchanging personal messages to
participating in global discourse.

Moreover, English writing serves as a tool for documentation and record-keeping. It

enables the preservation of knowledge, history, and important information. Through written
records, societies can maintain a collective memory and ensure that valuable insights and events
are not lost to time.

In the academic realm, the function of English writing is prominent in knowledge

dissemination. Scholars and researchers use written texts to share their findings, contribute to the
body of knowledge, and engage in intellectual dialogue. Academic writing serves as a
cornerstone of education and the advancement of various fields.

Another crucial function is creative expression. Writers use English writing to craft
stories, poems, novels, and works of art that captivate and inspire readers. Creative writing allows
individuals to explore imagination, emotions, and the human experience.

English writing also plays a vital role in professional communication. It is the medium
through which businesses, organizations, and institutions convey information, make decisions,
and collaborate. From reports and proposals to emails and presentations, effective written
communication is indispensable in the corporate world.

Furthermore, English writing supports critical thinking. The act of composing written
arguments, essays, and analyses encourages individuals to clarify their thoughts, evaluate
evidence, and construct coherent arguments. It fosters intellectual rigor and the ability to express
well-reasoned viewpoints.
 In the digital age, English writing extends its reach to online platforms, where it
facilitates global interaction. Blogs, social media, websites, and online publications enable
individuals and organizations to engage with diverse audiences, disseminate information, and
influence public discourse.

Overall, the function of English writing is to serve as a versatile and dynamic tool for
communication, expression, preservation of knowledge, academic discourse, creativity,
professional interaction, critical thinking, and global connectivity. It is a skill that empowers
individuals to participate actively in society and contribute to the exchange of ideas on a global
scale.

c. English Writing characteristics

English writing encompasses a diverse array of forms and genres, each with its unique
characteristics, style, and purpose. These various forms of writing serve as versatile tools for
communication, expression, and documentation in the English language. Understanding these
forms and their inherent traits is essential for effective written communication.

Narrative Writing: Narrative writing tells a story or recounts events. It often features characters, a
plot, and a narrative arc that includes a beginning, middle, and end. Characteristics include vivid
descriptions, character development, and the use of literary techniques to engage readers
emotionally.

Expository Writing: Expository writing is informative in nature. Its primary function is to

explain, describe, or inform about a topic or subject. It emphasizes clarity, factual accuracy, and a
logical organization of information.

Persuasive Writing: Persuasive writing aims to persuade or influence the reader's beliefs,
opinions, or actions. Characteristics include a clear argument or thesis, the presentation of
evidence, and rhetorical appeals such as ethos, pathos, and logos.

Descriptive Writing: Descriptive writing focuses on creating a sensory experience for the reader.
It employs vivid imagery and sensory language to convey the look, feel, smell, taste, or sound of
a subject.

Argumentative Writing: Argumentative writing presents a clear argument or claim supported by

evidence and reasoning. It involves addressing counterarguments and logically defending the
author's position.
 Technical and Business Writing: Technical and business writing is characterized by precision,
clarity, and a focus on conveying technical or business-related information. It includes reports,
manuals, memos, and documentation.

Academic Writing: Academic writing adheres to specific conventions and is common in scholarly
contexts. It emphasizes research, citation, formal tone, and a structured approach, as seen in
research papers, theses, and academic articles.

Creative Writing: Creative writing allows for artistic expression and imagination. It encompasses
various forms, including poetry, short stories, novels, and plays. Characteristics include literary
devices, figurative language, and an emphasis on creativity.

Journalistic Writing: Journalistic writing is characterized by objectivity, factual reporting, and a

focus on current events. Journalists aim to provide accurate and unbiased information to inform
the public.

Personal Writing: Personal writing includes diaries, journals, autobiographies, and personal
essays. It is characterized by a subjective, reflective, and often introspective tone. These various
forms of English writing share common characteristics such as clarity, organization, grammar,
and audience awareness. However, each form has its own unique goals and stylistic elements that
writers must adapt to effectively communicate their messages within specific contexts.

Reference:

4. Business English
a. Business English Definition

Business English is a specialized and domain-specific variant of the English language,

tailored to the unique communication needs and conventions within the business and professional
context. It serves as a lingua franca in the global business world, enabling effective and precise
communication among professionals, organizations, and individuals involved in various
commercial activities.

The essence of Business English lies in its adaptability to the demands of the corporate
environment. It encompasses a distinct vocabulary enriched with industry-specific terminology,
jargon, and technical language relevant to specific sectors, such as finance, marketing, human
resources, or international trade. This specialized lexicon allows professionals to communicate
with precision and clarity, minimizing the potential for misunderstandings.
b. Function of business English

The function of Business English is multifaceted and central to the success of

professionals and organizations in the modern corporate world. This specialized variant of the
English language serves as a powerful tool for effective communication and collaboration in the
business domain.

Effective Communication: At its core, the primary function of Business English is to facilitate
effective communication among professionals, both within and across organizations. It enables
individuals to exchange ideas, information, and instructions clearly and comprehensively. In
business settings, precision in communication is crucial to convey strategies, objectives, and
expectations accurately.

Specialized Vocabulary: Business English provides access to a specialized vocabulary and

terminology relevant to various industries and sectors. This terminology allows professionals to
discuss technical, financial, and operational aspects of their work with precision. It ensures that
discussions and documentation are aligned with the specific needs of the business context.

Formal and Professional Tone: Business English maintains a formal and professional tone,
especially in written communication. This formality conveys respect and professionalism,
contributing to a positive business image. Formality is essential in official documents, reports,
and interactions with clients and partners.

Cross-Cultural Communication: In a globalized business world, one of the critical functions of

Business English is to facilitate cross-cultural communication. It serves as a neutral language that
bridges linguistic and cultural gaps, enabling professionals from diverse backgrounds to
collaborate effectively. This function is particularly crucial in international business ventures and
partnerships.

Negotiation and Persuasion: Business English equips professionals with the skills necessary for
negotiation and persuasion. It provides strategies and language tools for presenting proposals,
addressing objections, and reaching mutually beneficial agreements. Effective negotiation and
persuasion are vital for business deals, contracts, and sales.

Documentation and Reporting: Business English is instrumental in the creation of essential

business documents, reports, and official records. It ensures that these documents are clear, well-
structured, and aligned with industry standards. Documentation plays a crucial role in decision-
making, compliance, and historical record-keeping.
 Email and Digital Communication: With the prevalence of digital communication, Business
English also functions as a guide for email etiquette and effective online correspondence. It
emphasizes the importance of clear subject lines, concise messaging, and appropriate salutations
in professional emails.

Ethical and Cultural Awareness: Another vital function of Business English is the promotion of
ethical and culturally sensitive communication. Professionals are encouraged to adhere to ethical
standards and respect cultural norms in their interactions. This fosters trust and mutual
understanding in the global business arena.

c. key characteristics of Business English

Business English is distinguished by several key characteristics that define its use and
importance in the professional world. These characteristics collectively shape the language's
function and utility in business communication:

Specialized Vocabulary: Business English incorporates a specialized lexicon that includes

industry-specific terminology, jargon, and technical language. These specialized terms allow
professionals to communicate precisely within their respective fields, whether in finance,
marketing, healthcare, or other sectors.

Formality: A prominent characteristic of Business English is its formality, especially in written

communication. Business documents, emails, reports, and official correspondence maintain a
formal tone and style. This formality conveys professionalism and respect in business
interactions.

Clarity and Precision: Clarity and precision are fundamental principles of Business English.
Messages and documents are crafted to convey information clearly and concisely. This emphasis
on clarity helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that ideas and instructions are
communicated effectively.

Cross-Cultural Adaptability: Given the global nature of business, Business English is designed to
be cross-culturally adaptable. It serves as a common language that facilitates communication
among professionals from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. This adaptability is vital
for international business collaborations.

Professional Communication: Business English is primarily used for professional

communication, encompassing a wide range of interactions such as negotiations, presentations,
 meetings, and written correspondence. It enables professionals to discuss strategies, objectives,
and projects with clarity and professionalism.

Negotiation and Persuasion: The language equips professionals with skills for negotiation and
persuasion. Business English provides strategies for presenting proposals, addressing objections,
and reaching mutually beneficial agreements, which are essential in various business contexts.

Documentation and Reporting: Another characteristic of Business English is its role in

documentation and reporting. Professionals use it to create business documents, reports, financial
statements, and other essential records. These documents are critical for decision-making,
compliance, and accountability.

Digital Communication Etiquette: With the advent of digital communication, Business English
extends to digital communication etiquette. It emphasizes the importance of clear subject lines,
concise messaging, and appropriate salutations in professional emails, which are integral to
modern business interactions.

Ethical Considerations: Ethical considerations are woven into Business English, promoting
ethical conduct in business interactions. Professionals are encouraged to adhere to ethical
standards and respect cultural norms, fostering trust and ethical business practices.

B. Conceptual Framework
The use of Google Translate among students, especially students majoring in foreign
languages, is something that is no longer commonplace. Google Translate can have positive and
negative impacts depending on how one applies it.

The dependent variable of this research is students' proficiency in writing English while
the independent variable is the use of Google Translate. Among students today, most of them use
Google Translate to interpret words in foreign languages.

The comparison between Google Translate and dictionary users can be said to be very
significant, more students use Google Translate when translating something compared to those
who look up the meaning of words manually using a dictionary.

This is certainly not without reason, Google Translate is considered more effective and
can shorten time, although sometimes the results obtained are often less precise than ordinary
dictionaries.
 Shifting the focus to learners’ perceptions on the use of GT in writing, Murtisari, et al.
(2019) investigated the perceptions of undergraduate learners’ tow ard using GT for general use
and for reading and writing assignments. Two hundred undergraduate EFL learners answered a
close and open-ended questionnaire addressing aspects related to frequency of use, reasons for
using GT, and general perceptions toward the tool.

Findings revealed that learners use GT as a replacement for paper dictonaries, as they
mainly translate words and short phrases. The authors argue that the learners who translated
whole essays/paragraphs might not have the linguistic skills to complete a writing task
appropriately.

Murtisari et al. warn that despite these positive perceptions, the use of GT may encourage
avoidance of L2 cognitive processes among learners when they employ the tool to translate long
texts, and when effective strategies are not utilized in the process. Likewise, Stapleton and Kin
(2019) argue that in L2 learning contexts that require writing assignments, the use of automated
translation has “the potential to eliminate the motivation for L2 learners to learn to write in a
target language” (p. 18).