Self-Efficacy and Perception in the Use of GAI Tools in the Translation Classroom
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56294/mw2025526Keywords:
GAI, translator training, self-efficacyAbstract
The rise of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools in translation has sparked interest in their impact on translator training. This study examines the relationship between perception and self-efficacy in the use of GAI, specifically ChatGPT, within a specialized academic setting. The qualitative and exploratory research involved 30 final-year students from the Bachelor's Degree in Translation at the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC). Over the course of a semester, participants applied ChatGPT in pre-translation, translation, and post-editing tasks for specialized texts. To assess perception and self-efficacy in using these tools, a 15-item questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions was used. The results indicate that a positive perception of ChatGPT is associated with greater confidence and performance in translation. However, challenges were identified, such as a lack of terminological accuracy and the need for specific training in post-editing. The findings suggest that the pedagogical integration of generative AI tools can strengthen translation competencies, reduce technological anxiety, and optimize the translation process. It is recommended to balance the use of these tools with teaching strategies that foster critical and creative skills. In conclusion, GAI presents both opportunities and challenges in translator training, highlighting the importance of proper implementation to maximize its benefits in professional practice.
References
1. Toral A, Way A. What level of quality can neural machine translation achieve? Translation Quality Assessment. 2018;5*(2):3–30.
2. Bandura A. Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W.H. Freeman; 1997.
3. Jiménez-Crespo MA. Translation and web localization. Routledge; 2017.
4. O’Brien S. Translation as human–computer interaction. Translation Spaces. 2012;1(1):101–122.
5. Sawyer R, Wallace B. Exploring self-efficacy and technology use in translator training. The Interpreter and Translator Trainer. 2022;16(1):78–94.
6. Liu Z, Chen X, Zhang H. The role of self-efficacy in technology acceptance among translators. Journal of Translation Studies. 2021;5(3):45–62.
7. García I. Translators and machine translation: Perceptions and practices. Translation Spaces. 2020;9(2):190–212.
8. Pym A, Orrego-Carmona D, Torres-Simón E. Technologies and the future of the translation profession. Routledge; 2022.
9. Wang Y, Gao L. Enhancing translator competence with AI tools: The role of self-efficacy and perception. International Journal of Translation Studies. 2023;15(4):315–331.
10. Andrade Preciado JS, Sánchez Ramírez HJ, Gallego Real CG. Integration of ChatGPT in the Translation and Post-Editing of SpecializedTexts: A Study on its Application. LatIA. 2025;3:129.
11. O’Brien S. Machine translation and human creativity: Can they co-exist? Translation Spaces. 2020; 9(1):94–116.
12. Vargas-Sierra C. La estación de trabajo del traductor en la era de la inteligencia artificial. Pragmalingüística. 2020;(28):185-202.
13. García I, Díaz-Molina L. The impact of generative AI on translator education: Challenges and opportunities. Translation and Technology. 2023;15(2):123–139.
14. López-Rendón R, Martínez C. Technology gaps in translator training: Insights from Latin America. Journal of Translation Studies. 2022;7(1):45–62.
15. Sawyer R. Machine translation and post-editing in translator training: A pedagogical perspective. The Interpreter and Translator Trainer. 2022;16(1):78–94.
16. Creswell JW. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage; 2014.
17. Braun V, Clarke V. Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology. 2006;3(2):77-101.
18. Hurtado Albir A, Kuznik A, Rodríguez-Inés P. La competencia traductora y su adquisición. MonTI. 2022;Special Issue 7:19-40.
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Jahiro Samar Andrade Preciado, Rubén González Vallejo (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
The article is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. Unless otherwise stated, associated published material is distributed under the same licence.
