Human Decision-Making and Editing Behavior in AI-Supported Translation: Evidence from EFL Student Translators

Authors

  • Nguyen Truong Sa Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Author
  • Le Pham Thien Thu Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City image/svg+xml Author
  • Vo Nhat Sinh Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City image/svg+xml Author
  • Le Thi Thuy Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City image/svg+xml Author
  • Nguyen Ngoc Hiep Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City image/svg+xml Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54855/callej.262726

Keywords:

AI-Translation, Editing behavior, Decision-making process

Abstract

Many recent studies have investigated different types of technologies and AI-powered tools employed, and perceptions and evaluation of the AI users in translation. This study further closes the gap of literature by examining students’ behavior and decision-making process in different stages of translation tasks. The study was conducted with a group of 33 undergraduate EFL learners in a translation course in which AI tools were encouraged to use by the teacher. Data was collected from participants’ self-reflection survey, and individual stimulated recall interviews. The findings indicate that students’ decisions to employ AI are shaped by multiple interacting factors; rather than relying on AI uncritically, students positioned themselves as primary decision-makers, using AI selectively. Editing behaviors focused mostly on semantic and pragmatic, accompanied by higher-order cognitive processes. The study highlights the central role of humans and suggests that effective integration of AI in translation education requires careful pedagogical practice.

Author Biographies

  • Nguyen Truong Sa, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Doctor Nguyen Truong Sa got his Master in Applied Linguistics Degree from Latrobe University and Doctor of Education Degree specifying in English language teaching from Leicester University.  Doctor Sa is now the Dean of Faculty of Foreign Languages, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. His teaching and research favorites and publication are related to quality assurance in language teacher education, English as a medium of instruction, SLA, and applied technology in language teaching.

    Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4025-2144

  • Le Pham Thien Thu, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City

    Ms. Le Pham Thien Thu earned her Master Degree in Applied Linguistics from Curtin University of Technology, Australia, in 2008. She is currently a lecturer at the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. She has more than 20 years of teaching experience for a diversity of levels and areas, focusing on English Teaching Methodology, Testing and Assessment, and the four macro skills. Her research interests consist of Technology Application in Language Teaching, Language Skills Development, and Teaching Methodology.

    Orcid: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4464-1175

  • Vo Nhat Sinh, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City

    Mr. Vo Nhat Sinh completed his Master’s degree in TESOL at the University of Stirling (UK), gaining extensive experience in English Language Teaching, Teacher Recruitment and Training, Teaching Quality Assurance, and Curriculum Development. He is a Lecturer at the Faculty of Foreign Languages at Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City and serves as a certified examiner for the Vietnamese Standardized Test of English Proficiency (VSTEP). His teaching and research interests focus on Language Teaching Methodology, Language Learning Methods, and Technology-Enhanced Language Learning (TELL).

    Orcid: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5214-6413

  • Le Thi Thuy, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City

    Ms. Le Thi Thuy earned her Master's in TESOL from Victoria University, Australia, in 2014. She is a dedicated lecturer at the Faculty of Foreign Languages, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City. With over 15 years of teaching English at the tertiary level, she has developed an interest in enhancing English language education for university students. She actively integrates technology and online resources to support blended learning. Her research interests focus on active teaching methods and the application of educational technology in English Language Teaching.

    Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4416-4579

  • Nguyen Ngoc Hiep, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City

    Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Hiep earned his Doctorate in Chinese Language from Zhejiang University, a leading research university in China, in 2013. He has five years of experience teaching Chinese and over twelve years of using the language in a business context. Currently, he is a lecturer at the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City. His research interests focus on Chinese lexicology and colloquial expressions.

    Orcid: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5971-2768

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Published

2026-06-26

How to Cite

Human Decision-Making and Editing Behavior in AI-Supported Translation: Evidence from EFL Student Translators. (2026). Computer-Assisted Language Learning Electronic Journal, 27(2), 113-133. https://doi.org/10.54855/callej.262726