Raw machine translation use by patent professionals: A case of distributed cognition

Abstract This article examines the use of raw, unedited machine-translated texts by patent professionals using the framework of distributed cognition. The goals of the study were to evaluate whether the concept of distributed cognition is a useful theoretical lens for examining and explaining raw MT reception, and to contribute to our knowledge of raw MT use through an analysis of a real-life use case. The study revealed that patent professionals often rely on a large network of artifacts and people to help them in the task of understanding raw MT, and therefore the concept of distributed cognition was applicable and useful. The study also contributed new knowledge to our overall understanding of the use of raw MT.