This is the second of two blog posts discussing the Association for Canadian Studies’ recent report, AI and Chat Use: Lessons Learned, published in July 2026. The study was led by the Association for Canadian Studies in collaboration with the Diversity Institute and the Future Skills Centre – Centre des Compétences futures. The Future Skills Centre is funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills program. This study was conducted through a web-based survey among Canadians aged 18 and older. A total of 1,700 respondents completed the survey, including a booster sample of 200 individuals with an immigration background. The first post is available here.
This post focuses on language and translation, connecting the findings to the third tenet of postplagiarism, developed by Dr. Sarah Elaine Eaton.
Are language barriers disappearing?
New evidence from Canada suggests that AI translation may help people communicate across language differences. The report found that 55% of Canadians agreed that AI translation helps remove language barriers overall. Another 53% agreed that translation tools improve language skills, while 42% believed AI translation helps them learn professional vocabulary. People whose first language was neither English nor French were particularly likely to agree that AI translation helps remove language barriers overall. These findings support the third tenet of postplagiarism and the idea that translation tools can make information more accessible. However, the survey measured people’s views, not actual improvements in language proficiency.
Confidence versus dependence
Among AI translation users, 43% agreed that these tools increase their confidence in communicating. This may help people participate in conversations at work, school, or in their communities. However, 22% agreed that they rely on AI translation instead of communicating independently. This raises an important question: are these tools helping people develop communication skills, or sometimes replacing opportunities to practise them?
Translation can support language learning, but it cannot automatically replace speaking, listening, and writing practice. A balanced approach allows people to use translation when needed while continuing to develop their own skills.
What does this mean for the workplace?
The report found that 35% of Canadians agreed that AI translation improves their job performance, 37% said it reduces misunderstandings at work, and 29% agreed that they would face more barriers at work without AI tools. Among respondents whose first language was neither English nor French, 53% agreed that AI translation reduces misunderstandings at work, compared with 39% of English-first-language respondents and 28% of French-first-language respondents. These findings suggest that translation tools may support communication in multilingual workplaces. However, the survey recorded perceptions rather than independently measured improvements in job performance or reductions in errors.
Employers should consider both accessibility and accuracy, particularly when communication involves technical instructions or important decisions.
Trust depends on the situation
Canadians did not trust AI translation equally across all situations.
| Situation | Trust in AI translation |
| Entertainment | 63% |
| Workplace communication | 52% |
| Education | 51% |
| Healthcare | 42% |
| Legal situations | 37% |
The report also found that 44% of Canadians agreed that AI sometimes provides confusing translations. Among people aged 18–24, this figure rose to 54%. These findings are an important reminder that fluent-sounding translations are not always accurate. Users may not recognize an error, especially when they are less familiar with the language. These concerns also arise in healthcare, where translation technology can improve access but introduce risks if translations are inaccurate. This issue was explored in Wearable Translation May Improve Medical Access – but Not Without Risks. The same principle applies more broadly: AI can support communication, but accuracy, context, and the consequences of misunderstanding remain important.
What should educators and policymakers consider?
The findings connect to the third tenet of postplagiarism by showing how AI may help people overcome language barriers. Yet responsible use requires more than access to a translation tool. Educators can encourage students to use translation as a learning aid while still providing opportunities to practise independently. Employers can identify situations where AI translation is useful and where human verification is necessary. Policymakers and institutions should also consider how to protect people who depend on translation to access essential information.
A tool for communication, not a guarantee
The Canadian findings suggest that AI translation may improve confidence, support language learning, and reduce some communication barriers. At the same time, some users rely on it instead of communicating independently, trust varies by context, and confusing translations remain a concern. The third tenet of postplagiarism invites us to recognize the potential for AI to help people communicate across languages. AI translation may help people understand one another, but responsible communication still requires human judgment, verification, and awareness of the limits of the tool.
References
Eaton, S. E. (2023). Postplagiarism: Transdisciplinary ethics and integrity in the age of artificial intelligence and neurotechnology. International Journal for Educational Integrity, 19(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40979-023-00144-1
Jedwab, J., & Cukier, W. (2026, July). AI and chat use: Lessons learned. Association for Canadian Studies. https://acs-metropolis.ca/en/library/ai-and-chat-use-lessons-learned
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About the Authors
Sarah Elaine Eaton, PhD, is a Professor and the Director of the Postplagiarism Research Lab in the Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary.
Fuat Ramazanov, EdD, is a management educator and researcher whose work focuses on artificial intelligence in education, human–AI co-creation, creativity, and emerging technologies.
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