Session 1: Reflecting on machine translation and language learning

Introduction

Freely available online machine translation tools (OMT) such as Google Translate and DeepL have revolutionised the way we use, learn, and teach languages. They offer every internet user unprecedented, instant access to a multitude of languages and, through the languages, also to cultures. With the advent of advanced algorithms and neural networks, machine translation tools have become increasingly accurate and efficient, making them invaluable aids in the language learning journey.

Figure 1

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A globe with the word ‘translate’ written across it in five languages, reading: traducer, tradurre, translate, traduire, übersetzen.

Figure 1

In the first session of this course, you will learn about the history of OMT and the benefits and limitations they pose for language learners. You will also find out about the role reflection plays when using OMT.

In the second session, you find a variety of examples of how OMT can be used to support the reading, listening and vocabulary learning in a foreign language. Activities in French, German, Spanish and English will help you to recognise how to make OMT work for you in your own learning and teaching of a language.

The third session focuses on learning grammar and practising translation and presents you with different sample activities in French, German, Spanish and English to support your learning and teaching in these areas with OMT.

Session 4 draws this course to a conclusion by demonstrating when and how OMT can be used in academic writing, and gives examples of good practice and referencing. The course finishes with a reflection on the future of language learning with OMT.

By the end of Session 1, you should be able to:

• understand the history of OMT
• know which popular OMT exist and how to access them
• recognise the benefits and limitations of OMT in language learning and teaching
• recognise the roles reflection and critical awareness play when learning a language with the help of OMT.

This course will use examples from French, German and Spanish and will occasionally refer to other languages, such as Chinese and Italian. The activities can be used as models for language learning in general, so you might want to try out your own ideas – based on the example activities – in other languages.

Session 1 begins with a brief look at the history of machine translation.