Check out
this Amazon discussion
According to user opinions the answer to your question is yes.
For instance:
"CBRetriever says:
... for those who use the instant translation a lot, 3G is wonderful as I can read on my daily commute (RER/Train has 3G), sitting on a park bench, in my office during lunch, etc
I've never connected my Paperwhite or my Touch via wifi and am perfectly happy that way"