Speaker
Description
This exploratory inquiry, grounded in Sociocultural Theory, investigates the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools as new "cultural tools" within Vietnamese-English translation pedagogy for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students. The study examines how AI integration reshapes "mediated action" in the translation process and its impact on student development within collaborative learning environments. Data were collected through a mixed-methods approach, utilizing AI-based translation tests, traditional paper-based tests, and semi-structured interviews to gain in-depth insights. Findings reveal that under the lecturers’ guidence, 61 EFL students readily adopt AI applications (e.g., Gemini, ChatGPT, DeepL) in their translation activities, valuing these tools to enhance speed, reduce grammatical errors, and produce closer to native-like quality versions. However, this reliance cultivates increasing dependency on AI support, often hindering students' ability to translate effectively without technological aid. Consequently, critical thinking, problem-solving, and traditional handwriting skills appear to deteriorate. The results underscore the continued indispensable role of instructor guidance in navigating AI integration to foster balanced skill development and prevent over-reliance.
Biography
Thu Tat Thien is a PhD Student, Senior lecturer of General English and ESP Department, School of Foreign Languages, Can Tho University, Vietnam. Her professional interests are teaching translation and conducting research, particularly in the fields of translation, EFL teachers and learners. Her email is thutat@ctu.edu.vn
