Google Translate in economics and business-students’ academic lives: Anxiety, usage, and ethics

Abstract

This research delves into the significant impact of Google Translate (GT) on the academic lives of economics and business students. The study sheds light on students' anxiety, the frequency and purposes of GT usage, and the ethical considerations tied to its use. Notably, GT has become widely utilized among students in this field, with all participants acknowledging its role in their academic pursuits. The popularity of GT is attributed to its user-friendly interface, mobile accessibility, and free availability, making it an indispensable tool for students seeking quick translations, language assistance, and reference support in their academic endeavors. Anxiety, particularly Foreign Language Anxiety (FLA), significantly influences students' decision to rely on GT. FLA prompts students to seek GT's immediate translation solutions, providing them with a sense of security and support in overcoming their anxieties. The study reveals that GT is primarily used for individual word translations, followed by translating longer text segments and assistance in writing assignments. GT has indeed become an integral part of economics and business students' academic lives, offering numerous benefits in language assistance and accessibility. Nonetheless, students should be conscious of its limitations, address anxieties, and employ GT ethically to fully harness its potential while fostering their own language development and academic growth pondering that addressing ethical considerations surrounding GT's usage is essential.