Investigating the Usage of Machine Translation in L2 Learning and Its Impact on Writing Proficiency

This study, focusing on Slovene as a case study, explores the use of machine translation (henceforth MT) on learner language production. The research delves into the increased use of MT by university students who are L1 speakers of languages closely related to Slovene (central South-Slavic languages and Macedonian), when they learn Slovene as an L2. It investigates the correlation between MT usage and the quality of written assignments. The methodology involves a survey among 125 Slovene learners and a comparison of texts written with and without MT assistance. Results indicate students’ positive attitudes towards MT and their frequent use of it. Text grades analysis suggests that, while texts written with the help of MT usually get a higher score, MT does not guarantee faster or better language acquisition.