The Hidden Curriculum of AI-Powered Translation and Interpretation

AI-powered translation and interpretation tools, such as Google Translate and DeepL, are increasingly used by English language learners (ELLs). While these technologies expand access and support communication, they are not neutral: they privilege standardized American and British English, transmitting a “hidden curriculum” about what counts as legitimate English. This implicit bias shapes learners' perceptions, influences their communicative practices, and reinforces linguistic hierarchies by marginalizing local varieties and overlooking socio-cultural nuances. Case studies and classroom observations reveal how AI subtly standardizes English learning, potentially diminishing linguistic diversity and learner identity. The chapter concludes with recommendations for educators and policymakers to foster critical AI literacy, helping learners recognize these hidden messages and ensuring that translation technologies enrich rather than constrain multilingual education.