To investigate L2 adolescent learners’ use of machine translation (MT), an MT error correction (EC) test was developed, based on the analysis of MT errors arising from translating the learners’ L1 of middle school EFL textbooks. Learners were also asked to report on their use of MT EC strategies on the EC task. Results indicated that mistranslated sentence and verb tense are the most difficult types of MT errors to correct. Furthermore, to resolve MT errors, guessing from context and literal translations were the two most frequently employed EC strategies. When multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the contribution of EC strategies to the learners’ ability to correct errors, the mid proficiency learners’ reliance on literal translations and the low proficiency learners’ use of multiple EC strategies were positively associated with improved corrections of MT errors. The results of the study are discussed in light of how L2 learners need to develop competence for using MT in L2 writing.

The present study attempts to analyze and classify errors in translations of Korean Mongolian language learners and to suggest educational implications based on the error analysis. Korea and Mongolia have had an established relationship since 1990 and held exchanges in various fields for a short period of time, and as a result the demand for professional translation is increasing. To meet this demand, undergraduate schools also require educational programs for professional translators, yet it is difficult to find any research or studies about the issue. In this study, Mongolian texts translated by Korean Mongolian learners were collected and analyzed, and the errors were classified into 1) grammar related errors, 2) translation skill related errors, and 3) meaning related errors. Based on the analysis, the following implications can be presented. First, it is necessary for students to recognize the differences between the use of punctuation marks in the two languages and to learn how those them appropriately in the target language. Second, there is the issue of transcribing Mongolian into Korean. Although precise common rules for transcribing have not yet been established, teachers should suggest a consistent transcription guide. Third, since many errors related to the source language appear, it is necessary to avoid literal translations and complete the translation suitable for the target language. Finally, students need to be exposed to various types of texts and practice the style of writing that fits to the text.