Machine translation in foreign language learning: language learners' and tutors' perceptions of its advantages and disadvantages

This paper presents a snapshot of what has been investigated in terms of the relationship between machine translation (MT) and foreign language (FL) teaching and learning. For this purpose four different roles of MT in the language class have been identified: NIT as a bad model, NIT as a good model, NIT as a vocational training tool (especially in the form of translation memories, pre-editing and post-editing), and NIT as a CALL tool. Subsequently, some of the implications of the use of NIT and of free online NIT for FL learning are outlined and discussed along with practical examples for language teaching purposes. Finally, qualitative data, drawn from our empirical investigation are presented as synthesized findings pertaining to the perceptions of language learners and tutors in relation to the use of NIT and, in particular, free online MT as a language tool.