ChatGPT in Professional Translation: A Double-Edged Sword – Insights from Chinese Translators on Capabilities, Concerns, and Future Prospects

Research output: Chapter in book / Conference proceedingChapter in an edited book (as author)Academic researchpeer-review

Abstract

This study investigates the perceptions and experiences of professional Chinese translators regarding the use of ChatGPT, a cutting-edge AI language model, in their translation practice. Employing a mixed-methods approach that includes an online survey of 94 translators and semi-structured interviews with six participants, the research explores how translators perceive ChatGPT’s translation capabilities and its impact on the translation profession and industry. The findings reveal that while translators widely acknowledge ChatGPT’s usefulness in enhancing efficiency and productivity—particularly in tasks like generating drafts, proofreading, and comprehending complex concepts—they express concerns about information security, reliability, handling of culturally nuanced content, and potential ethical issues. Despite these concerns, most translators are optimistic about integrating ChatGPT into their workflow, viewing it as a valuable tool that complements rather than replaces human translators. The study underscores the necessity for translators to adapt to technological advancements and provides insights for practitioners and policymakers on maximizing the benefits of AI while addressing its challenges.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationTranslation Studies in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
EditorsSanjun Sun, Kanglong Liu, Riccardo Moratto
PublisherTaylor and Francis Ltd.
Chapter6
Pages125-149
Number of pages25
ISBN (Electronic)9781003482369
ISBN (Print)9781032756301
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Jun 2025

Publication series

NameRoutledge Studies in Translation Technology and Techno-Humanities
PublisherRoutledge

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Arts and Humanities
  • General Social Sciences

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