Navigating the Convenience Trap with ChatGPT and Google Translate: The Risks of Homogenization in Translation Teaching for Vietnamese Students

Abstract

This study examines the potential risks of homogenization in teaching English translation to Vietnamese students due to the widespread use of AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Translate. While these tools offer significant benefits in terms of speed and consistency, their reliance on standardized terms often reduces the richness of expression, leading to homogenization—particularly for less dominant languages such as Vietnamese. By analyzing noun phrases in AI-generated translations and comparing them with textbook-suggested translations from a business translation course, this study highlights notable differences in translation quality, lexical variety, and contextual accuracy. The findings reveal that although AI tools can enhance translation efficiency, their limitations in offering diverse and contextually appropriate word choices highlight the importance of human insight in the translation process. A balanced integration of AI tools with human expertise is crucial for preserving linguistic diversity and achieving genuine cross-cultural understanding.