Google Translate as a tool for self-directed language learning

Abstract

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 [ɪk bə'grɪp ət 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.