Undergraduate English Students' Use of Google Translate in Afghanistan

Abstract

Google translate (GT) is widely used by students around the world. The current study examined English students' use of GT in Afghanistan. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 132 randomly selected students from a public university in Afghanistan. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The findings showed that the participants had positive attitudes towards GT, and they were aware of GT drawbacks. The participants utilized GT for numerous reasons including not feeling confident in their own translation. They used GT for a number of purposes to varying extent. They frequently used GT to look up general and technical words as well as idioms and collocations. They also used it for translation purposes. The participants' gender affected their attitudes towards GT but not their use of it" with "There were differences between female and male students' attitudes towards GT. The study recommends instructors to adopt GT, particularly those teaching in Afghanistan, in their classes and encourage students' critical use of GT.