Post-editing of machine translation while reading on English proficiency levels

Kim, Hea-Suk and Yoonjung Cha. 2023. Post-editing of machine translation while reading on English proficiency levels. Linguistic Research 40(Special Edition): 89-126. This study aimed to investigate the impact of post-editing with machine translation (MT) in reading classes on students' performance and perspectives across different English proficiency levels. Eighty-one students participated in the study and they were divided into two groups: 39 students in the lower proficiency group and 42 students in the higher proficiency group. The research addressed two main questions: firstly, it explored how MT usage affects learners with varying English proficiency levels; secondly, it examined whether learners' perspectives on MT use in reading classes differ based on their proficiency. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted using exam scores and questionnaire data. To address the first research question, pre-and post-reading test scores were analyzed. The findings revealed a substantial enhancement in reading comprehension for both groups. Moreover, there was a significant difference between the two groups. Regarding the second research question, a pre-and post-questionnaire was conducted. Both low and high proficiency groups acknowledged numerous advantages associated with MT use, with the low proficiency group exhibiting improvements across all aspects evaluated. Convenience and reduced burdens received the highest scores in both groups, positively influencing their active class participation. The research emphasized the advantages of incorporating machine translators into English reading classes, shedding light on positive outcomes for L2 reading. (Seoul Women's University center dot Hanshin University)