From unrestricted access to pencil and paper: Evaluating machine translation post-editing in translation classes

Abstract

The effort to adapt translation programmes to the rapid development of machine translation (MT) most commonly manifests itself in the introduction of new content into the curriculum, specifically machine translation post-editing (MTPE). Yet, students use available MT technology even in seminars focused on traditional (not MTPE) translation. Considering this development, a survey was carried out within the European Master’s in Translation network in autumn 2022. The research covered both actual instruction/ exams in translation courses and final exams. This article assesses the respondents’ answers (a quantitative approach) and reviews the comments of respondents (a qualitative approach). The results show that most translation seminars cover MTPE to a limited extent only. During instruction, the most common way to track MT use is for students to supply a commentary with their translations. The prevailing attitude towards MT in examinations involved no ban being imposed on MT usage or students were not discouraged from using it. If, however, MT was explicitly banned in the course, the ban was more likely to be enforced during exams rather than in actual instruction during seminars. The article concludes with an outlook of future developments predicting a more pronounced blending of MT use and MTPE in dedicated classes.