ERIC Number: EJ1336168
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1094-3501
EISSN: N/A
Google Translate as a Tool for Self-Directed Language Learning
van Lieshout, Catharina; Cardoso, Walcir
Language Learning & Technology, v26 n1 2022
This study examined the pedagogical use of Google Translate (GT) and its associated text-to-speech synthesis (TTS) and automatic speech recognition (ASR) as tools to assist in the learning of second/foreign language Dutch vocabulary and pronunciation in an autonomous, self-directed learning setting. Thirty participants used GT (its translation, TTS, and ASR functions) for one hour to learn a set of phrases and their respective pronunciations in Dutch (e.g., "I don't understand" Ik begrijp het niet [?k b?'gr?p ?t nit]). The study followed a pre/post/delayed posttest design that examined the participants' learning of phrases and their pronunciations in Dutch, combined with a qualitative analysis of video recordings of their interactions with GT. Findings indicate that the participants were able to acquire Dutch vocabulary and pronunciation on a short-term basis, and that they interacted with GT's translation, TTS, and ASR in different ways and to different extents. This demonstrates that GT is a versatile tool that can be easily tailored to suit learners' needs, interests, and learning styles.
Descriptors: Translation, Computational Linguistics, Independent Study, Vocabulary Skills, Indo European Languages, Video Technology, Pronunciation, Teaching Methods, Audio Equipment, Pronunciation Instruction, Phrase Structure, Pretests Posttests, Computer Assisted Instruction, Feedback (Response), Linguistic Input
National Foreign Language Resource Center at University of Hawaii. 1859 East-West Road #106, Honolulu, HI 96822. e-mail: llt@hawaii.edu; Web site: https://www.lltjournal.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A