Machine Translation and Migration

This chapter discusses uses of machine translation as a communication tool in migration contexts. The focus of the chapter is on the interface between MT tools and non-linguist end users. The discussion is divided into three main sections. The first looks at examples of machine translation development that are particularly relevant for migration. The second section examines the perspectives of individuals, including international migrants themselves as well as professionals who are on the frontline of communication with migrant communities. The third section discusses organisational factors in machine translation deployment. The chapter concludes by calling for a distinction between individual and organisational uses of machine translation. It highlights how the risks of using the technology are not always felt equally and need to be considered in the context of social, economic and geopolitical factors.