The Role of Google Translate as a Learning Medium for EFL Students: Systematic Review

Abstract

The use of Google Translate (GT) in this present time is already well known as an application that helps the learning and teaching activity especially for EFL students. GT provides so many features that help the learners to find new vocabulary, pronunciation checker, spelling checker, and provides translation. GT also gives a free access for anyone to use it. Therefore, the study is aimed to analyze the role of Google Translate as a medium in EFL learning activity. This research was conducted by using Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method. Then, the data are collected from the database that used three keywords, such as Google Translate, EFL, and learning activity in total of 549 journal article. Based on the obtained data, there are 14 article journals that related to the topic specifically. The articles that mention the positive effect of using GT is 9 positive, 3 for neutral, and 2 negative. The positive effect of using Google Translate in EFL learning are improving writing ability, enriching vocabulary, translating word and effective to help in teaching and learning activities. In the other hand, there are some negative effects for student, those are being lazy of trying to translate by themselves and sometimes use GT for cheating in doing the assignment or examination because they rely too much in Google translate.