Students’ Perceptions of Using AI-Generated Translators in Translation based on the UTAUT

Melati Melati, Yanti Sri Rezeki, Eka Fajar Rahmani

Abstract


This research aimed to describe students’ perceptions of using AI-generated translators based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework and to identify the AI-generated translator most frequently used by students. This research used a descriptive quantitative design involving 120 students from the English Language Education Study Program at Universitas Tanjungpura, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire based on three UTAUT constructs: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and facilitating conditions. Social Influence construct was excluded because two items were not valid and one item alone was not enough to represent a construct.  The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean scores, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages. The findings showed that all UTAUT constructs were categorized as “Very Positive” and “Positive,” indicating that students had positive perceptions of using AI-generated translators in learning English. The findings also showed that DeepL was the most frequently used AI-generated translator, chosen by 58.3% of the students, followed by Google Translate (25.8%) and ChatGPT (13.3%). In conclusion, students had positive perceptions of AI-generated translators and considered them useful and easy to use for translation activities. Therefore, AI-generated translators can be used as supporting tools in EFL translation activities.


Keywords


AI-Generated Translators; UTAUT; Perception

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.31004/jele.v11i5.2836

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