Investigating the impact of Google Translate on EFL Learners’ Memory and Vocabulary Mastery Case study: 3rd Year Students of the English Department at Ibn Khaldoun University of Tiaret

Abstract

Recent years have witnessed a widespread adoption of Google Translate as a favored resource among language learners, on account of its user-friendly interface and broad accessibility. This technology enables learners to swiftly and effortlessly translate words, phrases, and even complete sentences between languages. Therefore, this dissertation seeks to investigate the impact of Google Translate on EFL learners’ memory and vocabulary mastery. The study was conducted at the University of Ibn khaldoun at the English department. The investigation involved a sample of 96 third year B.A students who took translation classes. The study employed a mixed method. Including a translation task and a questionnaire. The results obtained from the students’ responses demonstrated that Google Translate has the potential to be beneficial in enhancing vocabulary acquisition, provided that it is used to translate isolated words. However, when used to translate longer texts, its accuracy was found to be somewhat unreliable, which could potentially misinform learners and affect their learning process negatively. Regarding memory retention, a majority of students noted that translated words tended to be forgotten when suggested by Google Translate, but that consulting dictionaries or seeking clarification could aid in the retention of these words.