PERSEPSI SISWA BAHASA INGGRIS SEBAGAI BAHASA ASING TERHADAP PENGGUNAAN GOOGLE TRANSLATE DALAM PRAKTIK LITERASI (EFL Students’ Perception of Google Translate in Their L2 Literacy Practice)

Abstract

This study aims to: (1) explore students’ perceptions toward using Google Translate (GT) as an English translating tool and (2) find out the advantages and disadvantages of GT among L2 learners. This study applied the mixed method as a research design, and the data were obtained from the questionnaire and interview. Fifty-two students of the second grade in Natural Science classes at the Indonesian secondary high school voluntarily participated in filling out the questionnaire, and ten students were selected purposely to attend the interview. The questionnaire was administered using Google Forms, collected, and statically analyzed using a Descriptive Test in SPSS, while interview data was done using thematic analysis. The findings in this study show that students perceived GT positively as the translation aid assisting their language learning. The students also found GT can accommodate their vocabulary mastery, writing, and reading practice in their literacy practices. However, despite its useful functions, the students refused to be dependent on the results of GT due to the potential grammar inaccuracy, resulting in self-correction on their own work. This study suggests that the final editing for translated text is necessary. In addition, language teachers need to engage and guide the students to use GT effectively.