Acuity : Journal of English Language Pedagogy, Literature and Culture
Vol. 11 No. 2 (2026): Acuity: Journal of English Language Pedagogy, Literature and Culture

Fluency or Accuracy? EFL Teachers’ Evaluation of Google Translate and Digital Dictionaries in Classrooms  

Zeli Utari (Universitas Islam Negeri Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi)
Veni Roza (Universitas Islam Negeri Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi)
Widya Syafitri (Universitas Islam Negeri Sjech M. Djamil Djambek Bukittinggi)



Article Info

Publish Date
08 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study investigated the way in which EFL teachers perceived the quality of translations made by students using Google Translate and digital dictionaries in actual classroom situations. While previous studies on the use of such tools have not sufficiently addressed the issue of evaluation from the perspective of the teacher, this study adopted an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. In this study, 25 students performed translations using the two instruments, and their translations were rated by two EFL teachers based on a Likert-scale rubric on accuracy, fluency, and appropriacy. Results from the quantitative analysis showed that translation through digital dictionaries was rated higher compared to Google Translate with a mean difference of 4.84 (t(24) = -9.333, p < .001, d = 1.87, very large effect). Analysis of themes in the interviews shed light on this result since both teachers rated accuracy as the first factor and appropriateness and fluency as the second and third factors, respectively. Google Translate was used due to its ability to produce fluent translation and draft texts but not contextually appropriate and accurate. Unlike the digital dictionary, which promoted greater cognitive processing and careful consideration in word choice, an alternative strategy is suggested: the use of Google Translate to produce a first draft and then the digital dictionary to ensure correct word choice and accurate semantics prior to final submission.  

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Journal Info

Abbrev

acuity

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Journal of English Language Pedagogy, Literature and Culture (Jelpedlic) is the research journal for the Teaching of English, Literature & Culture. It publishes research-based articles, reviews and poems, which reflect on every aspect of English teaching. The journal also considers new developments ...