Exploring the Effects of AI-Assisted Translation on EFL University Students’ Academic Writing Proficiency: A Longitudinal Study

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 ELT Department, Alzahra University

2 Department of English, Faculty of Literature, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran

10.22111/ijals.2025.49435.2460

Abstract

In spite of various studies on the effect of AIAT in foreign language learning, few studies have explored its effect on university students’ academic writing proficiency over a long period of time. This study, therefore, explored the effect of GT on EFL university student’s writing proficiency. It examined the fluent language, lexical density, correct language use as well as syntactic complexity pertaining to four different versions of students’ writings, namely, at pretest, writing with the aid of GT, at posttest and over a prolonged period of two to four months after the treatment. The writings were evaluated based on errors committed in the areas of syntax, lexical items, spelling and mechanics. The findings indicated that syntactic complexity, correct language use and fluent language increased while using GT for writing; however, it showed a significant decrease in the posttest and retention test without using GT. This decrease was observed more significantly in the areas of lexical density and less in syntactic complexity. In spite of this obvious decrease, all factors investigated in the study showed improvements in the retention test compared to pretest indicating the positive effect of GT on students’ foreign language writing performance.

Keywords

Iranian Journal of Applied Language Studies

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 12 January 2025

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