Artificial intelligence and the transformation of human translation: a study of the translation industry in Jordan

Abstract

The article explores how AI affects the translation industry in Jordan, the primary concern is whether or not it necessitates the need for human professionals. As transla-tion tools powered by AI become more accurate, widespread and incorporated into processes, the traditional role of translators is confronted in multiple ways. A quanti-tative study based on a structured questionnaire was conducted on the 34 formal registered translation agencies, with a 64% response rate which was intended to measure the opinions of the agencies. The findings of the study indicate that AI has benefited the speed, cost, and quality of the translated output, but has also led to a decrease in the number of human translators by 40 − 70%. Respondents confirm these findings, and also admit that it isn’t dependable for texts that are culturally appropriate or have an academic nature, which require human input. The final result of this research is that a new style of hybrid practice is underway in which human translators serve as post-editors to the machine’s generated text. These alterations have an effect on the necessity of altering the education, professional training, and the development of ethical principles for the responsible integration of AI in the edu-cational context.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Cogent Arts and Humanities, 2025 · DOI ↗