Abstract:

Machine Translation technology has swiftly advanced over the past decade and has more recently become embedded and readily available for public use. During this time, an increase in online translation tools used in language learning and academic contexts has been observed while latest student mobility has been seeking new study abroad destinations and experiences due to various political and sociocultural developments. This empirical research, conducted in the Japanese academic environment, examines the use of automatic translation applications by international students attending postgraduate programmes instructed in both the Japanese and the English language. It aims to highlight machine translation as a communication tool that has the potential to facilitate academic interaction beyond language learning. Participant observation data collected in face-to-face, virtual setting, and hybrid classrooms are combined with semi-structured interviews in order to explore and reveal the potential role of this technology for self-reliance during study abroad, academic support and opportunity as well as intercultural interaction. Researcher and student participants reflect together on the steps and procedures they follow when using machine translation applications, in which situations they may use such applications or what they expect from the technology itself. The participants admit the overall usefulness of this technology as a tool for communication and for reflecting on their language skill or learning. Simultaneously, they hold a critical attitude towards its output and showcase clear continuous skill building for navigating translation applications. As a result, these applications become part of a wider toolkit they can use to progress in their studies. A comparison between student experiences from the same classroom during different settings (before and after Covid-19) details some ways by which translation applications can transform the study abroad or open the path for increased motivation, interaction, collaboration with peers from diverse backgrounds and academic advancement. As academic societies around the world become more diverse, enter the global education stage or aim to increase international partnerships, the temptation to rely on the advancement of machine translation technology also grows. To contribute to discussions regarding the potential implications for educational setting, this research reviewed its practical use among students with various fluency levels in the languages spoken on campus and sought the conditions or requirements that its use may prove beneficial.

Keywords:

Machine Translation, Multicultural Society, International Students, Qualitative Research, Japanese, English Taught Programmes, Multilingualism, Study Abroad.