Machine Translation for assignments

Machine Translation is an automated process in which a computer program converts text in one language into another.

You are:

• using Machine Translation if you write your assessment in one language and automatically convert it to English through a computer program or internet application.
• not using Machine Translation if you write your assessment in English and use a writing tool (e.g. Microsoft Editor or Grammarly) to check your grammar and offer suggestions for better phrasing.

Some Machine Translation tools utilise generative artificial intelligence. Visit using AI tools in your studies to find out what you need to consider before using these tools. Our Generative AI tools for assignments referencing guide has tips on how to cite or acknowledge your use of these tools.

UQ graduates should be able to independently demonstrate a high standard of written and verbal communication skills. Using language fluently and without assistance is crucial in the workplace.

Some assessments do not permit the use of Machine Translation, while others may allow it with some limitations.

  Before using Machine Translation for your assessment, check if your course allows the use of these tools. You may find this information in your:

• Course Profile
• Learn.UQ (Blackboard) course site

You can also ask your Course Coordinator if you are unsure.

Once you submit an assessment item, you are responsible for all work produced by Machine Translation, including errors that arise.

Any permitted use of Machine Translation for assessment must be acknowledged appropriately.

Your Course Coordinator will provide guidance on how to reference the use of AI tools.

Examples of how to reference your use of Machine Translation include:

• citing or referencing in the text or list of references
• inclusion in your methodology.

• Verify the accuracy of the product you use. Machine Translation does not always produce an exact or accurate translation.
• Do not supply sensitive information, including personal, confidential or proprietary information or data to Machine Translation tools.

You must acknowledge that you have used Machine Translation in your assessment. Failure to acknowledge the use of Machine Translation can result in Academic Misconduct.

Acknowledgement

Acknowledgement should include the extent to which you used Machine Translation. For example, you might acknowledge:

• specific sections of work submitted
• a specific action in a document such as editing, correcting or translating
• ‘post-editing’ which means that the entire document has been translated by Machine Translation and then corrected and adjusted by you.

Examples of how you might acknowledge use

For a specific section:
Chapter 5 was produced with the assistance of <insert tool name> (eg. Google Translate, BabelFish, Grammarly, ChatGPT etc). The text was originally written in its entirety in English.

For a specific action for the whole document:
The work was edited/corrected/translated using <insert tool>.

For your input after Machine Translation:
This article was translated into English from [LANGUAGE] using <insert tool>. The author is unable to verify accuracy/the author used <insert tool> to verify the translation provided.

For your input after Machine Translation:
This work was post-edited by the author, after being translated from <insert language> to English using <insert tool>.

For your input after Machine Translation:
Interview transcripts in Indonesian were translated into English using <insert tool>. The author then checked the results for accuracy.

Referencing

Not all referencing styles provide guidance on how to reference machine translation. Many Machine Translation tools use AI. Visit generative AI tools for assignments for tips on how to cite or acknowledge your use of these tools.

References should:

• provide clear and accurate information for the tool
• identify where Machine Translation has been used in your work.

You can acknowledge your use of Machine Translation by:

• including a page at the front of your assessment to give these details
• putting a note in the reference list
• using a footnote or end note.

If in doubt, check with your course coordinator or ask the Library.