Fatemeh Ghanbar Beheshti - PhD student in English Language Teaching, the Department of English Language and Literature, Islamic Azad University, Ayatollah Amoli Branch, Amol, Iran
Hamed Barjesteh - PhD in Applied Linguistics, the Department of English Language and Literature, Islamic Azad University,Ayatollah Amoli Branch, Amol, Iran

This article examines the existence of machine translation (MT) in foreign language teaching. Apart from the fact that its use is inappropriate from the perspective of second language (L۲) teachers, studies have shown that L۲ students use Google Translate (GT). There is no consensus on whether or not the use of MT is a form of cheating. What opportunities and challenges does this technology present for L۲ students and instructors? How can educating students about the strengths and limitations of this technology transform some of the barriers into learning opportunities? This study examines existing research on the use of MT and identifies the strengths and limitations of this technology. In addition, it describes the twenty-first century teaching techniques aimed at improving both MT and alternative technology. It also proposes facilities for subsequent research to ensure learners' academic growth following The Can Do Statements for Intercultural Communication by the American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages.

Google Translate, teaching foreign languages, intercultural communication