Effect of AI on Translation Quality: A Comparative Evaluative Study of Translators' Performance With & Without AI

Abstract

The study aimed to identify effect of Al on Translation Quality. It is an experimental, specifically quasi-experimental in which two equal groups of 3rd year translation students were subjected to a translation test. One of the groups have been allowed to use AI and online MTs in translating the text/s given to them and the other used only traditional aids such as edictionaries, encyclopedias, …. etc. The two groups' translations were corrected, analyzed and interpreted and compared. The descriptive statistical analysis was utilized, especially frequency and percentages. It is found that there are differences in the translation of the students used artificial intelligence compared to those used traditional translation aids viz. dictionaries. Results also show that the translation quality of the students utilized artificial intelligence was higher than those used only dictionaries, especially for words and terms that were written in Standard Arabic. No one of those students depended on the dictionaries to perform their translations has got Excellent. They have all got V. good while those used the AI have got Excellent & V. Good. However, regarding time spent, it is found that students used dictionaries submitted their translations with 16 minutes time saving compared to those used AI which may be attributed to the fact that students used AI in their translation have several options to choose from while students used viii dictionaries have limited options to decide. Based on that, it is recommended to introduce students of translation programs to utilizing artificial intelligence to improve their translation quality level. In the case of written translation, especially for literary and fictional works, the study recommends combining modern and traditional methods during translation, in order to obtain a correct, sound, and accurate translation, whether in language or grammar.