4 Reasons Not to Use Google Translate for Language Learning and 2 Cases When It’s OK
Is it a good idea to learn English with Google Translate?
Is Google Translate reliable? Can I trust it? Is it a good idea to use Google Translate to learn a language? These are the questions many English learners ask.
When you’re on your own, the temptation to use Google Translate immediately is very strong (I know from learning other languages myself). However, there are better ways to learn new vocabulary. So, is it a good idea to use Google Translate? Generally speaking, using Google Translate is not the best way to learn English.
Relying only on Google Translate for learning English is generally discouraged. Although it can serve as a helpful tool for translations of single words or short phrases, it comes with limitations and can result in confusion and errors, particularly for beginners embarking on their language-learning journey.
Why it’s not a good idea to learn English with Google Translate
Many students rush to use Google Translate for a word they do not know in English. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t necessarily a problem. Sometimes it’s necessary.
However, as English Language teachers, our methodology is to teach you from the context of the article and not just rely on digital translation. The translation sometimes is mistaken or clunky or doesn’t give you a proper idea of how to use it in a sentence.
Teachers often have a policy of banning mobile phone usage in class unless it is beneficial for the class to allow some phone usage for educational purposes. And there are good reasons for that.
4 reasons why you shouldn’t use Google Translate to learn English
Inaccuracy
Google Translate often makes mistakes, especially with complex sentences and idiomatic expressions, leading to misunderstandings.
Lack of context
Google Translate doesn’t understand context, resulting in potentially inappropriate translations for specific situations. This often happens with words or expressions which have more than one meaning (and there are a lot of those in English!).
Limited learning scope
Language learning involves more than just translating individual words or phrases; it requires the use of collocations, grammar, clear pronunciation, natural language usage and cultural nuances, which Google Translate cannot provide.
Slower learning
We all like quick results, right? Over-dependence on Google Translate can hinder your language learning progress by preventing active engagement and natural language use in conversations. Using it all the time you also won’t remember new words and will be less motivated to memorise them.
However, Google Translate can still be a supplementary tool for your English learning journey. It can be useful if you don’t over-rely on it and use it only in certain situations.
When to use Google Translate for language learning?
2 ways to use Google Translate with benefit to your English learning
Quick checks
It can be a good way to quickly check the meaning of individual words or short phrases. However, it’s essential that you also check the meaning of the words in context and sentence examples. Cambridge and MacMillan dictionaries are very useful for this.
Yet, it’s crucial to remain cautious about potential multiple meanings in English words.
Verifying translations
Google Translate can be helpful when you ordered a translation in a language you don’t know. It will show whether the general meaning has been conveyed, but it won’t check the grammatical correctness or style.
You can also use it for your own translations to check if you wrote what you meant to say.
This can work both ways, when you are trying to write or say something in English or when you want to make sure you correctly understood what someone said or wrote.
While Google Translate is very helpful (and there’s nothing wrong with using it), you’ll feel more satisfaction by trying to understand the word through the context rather than taking the easy option.
Summary
These are the 4 arguments against using Google Translate and 2 ways in which you can benefit from it. While it can be tempting to rely on Google Translate, it is generally not the best way to learn English due to its inaccuracies, and because it can slow your learning progress. However, Google Translate can still be beneficial when used sparingly, such as for quick word checks or verifying translations. Ultimately, learning words in context and active engagement will give you a more satisfying language learning experience, and most importantly better results.