A Preliminary Study on Exploring the Use of Translation Apps and Post-Editing Strategies of University Students

In the digital age, finding technology for English learning experience is imperative. With various language learning technologies emerging, many students are using translation applications (apps) as indispensable tools in their English learning. Previous research has primarily focused on the translation strategies for learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) and post-editing strategies using machine translation and the practices of professional post-editors and translators. We explored students’ utilization of translation apps in the context of English language learning and their application of post-editing strategies to understand their perspectives on technology’s role. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data from university students in Taiwan, which was analyzed utilizing descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA via SPSS version 23. Students used translation apps to learn vocabulary and comprehend English articles. Post-editing strategies such as punctuation and terminology correction were not used frequently by the students. Most of them agreed that translation apps serve as valuable English learning supplements. By understanding the prevailing learning dynamics of university students, the results of this study lay a foundation for more investigations.