Use of AI Translation Tools

AI tools may be used to assist with translation--converting text from one language to another--rather than for generating new content. Students may use AI to translate the initial draft from their primary language into English.

After translation, it is important to review the English translation to ensure that it is contextually accurate, capturing the student's ideas and original intent. Additionally, students should always follow the specific directives of the course professor.

Several translation tools were evaluated (e.g., ChatGPT, DeepL Translator, Google Translate, Yandex Translate). The AI translation tools listed below provide good translations into English, but translations must always be checked and edited. Use these tools as a starting point.

Selected AI Translation Tools

AI Tool Key Features Limitations

ChatGPT (opens new windowhttps://chatgpt.com/)

For translating into English, input the original language text and prompt it to translate into English. Then, review and refine the translated text to ensure it accurately reflects the context and original ideas.
  • Assists with translation for more than 100 languages and dialects, including popular global languages, regional languages, some indigenous or lesser-know languages, and languages that use non-Latin scripts.
  • Understands the context of a sentence, providing more accurate and contextually appropriate translations.
  • Allows users to interact in real time and refine translations by asking for alternative translations or clarifying specific terms or phrases.
  • Idioms, nuances, expressions, and cultural context may not always be perfectly captured and translated.
  • If the text has multiple meanings, the translation may not align with the student's original intent, altering the meaning.
  • Although translations are generally accurate, some translated text may include awkward phrases, poor word choices or grammatical errors.
  • Free version limits: ChatGPT operates with token limits, meaning usage is not unlimited. Tokens in AI programs are the basic units of text, which can be chunks of text, words, parts of a word, or punctuation. In the free version, tokens measure the user's input and output and determine the usage limits.

DeepL Translate (opens new windowhttps://www.deepl.com/)

Paste the original language text into the input box. For the target language, select "English." Then, review and refine the translated text to ensure it accurately reflects the context and original ideas.
  • Provides highly accurate, context-aware translations.
  • Supports file uploads for Word documents (.docx).
  • Preserves original formatting in translated files.
  • Supports about 30 languages.
  • Offers alternative words or phrases to refine translations.
  • Offers limited language options.
  • Requires email to set up an account.
  • Free version limits: Word count for translation is limited.

Google Translate (opens new windowhttps://translate.google.com)

Paste the original language text into the input box. For the target language, select "English." Review and refine the translated text to ensure it accurately reflects the context and original ideas.
  • Provides fast translation support for over 100 languages.
  • Allows uploading of text documents (.docx, .pdf).
  • Idioms, nuances, expressions, and cultural context may not always be perfectly captured and translated.
  • If the text has multiple meanings, the translation may not align with the student's original intent, altering the meaning.
  • Some translated text may be awkward or have grammatical errors.
  • It may not keep all the formatting.
  • Free version limits: Use in not unlimited. Google Translate has word and character limits for translation requests.