Human-centredness in translating with technology

Abstract What are the potential impacts of new technological advancements over research on the lives and work of literary translators? The emerging concept of human-centredness in translating with Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers unique opportunities to address this question from the existing perspective of Literary Translator Studies. Whereas much research in Translation Studies focuses on texts and processes, Translator Studies delves into individual people practically engaged in translation. Ever since the term “Translator Studies” was employed by Andrew Chesterman in 2009, the interplay between humans and technology in the context of literary translation has remained a potential topic of research. However, studies in this area have historically placed focus on sociological, cultural, and cognitive aspects of the translation industry. The sudden widespread availability of AI since the end of 2022, more than any previous technological development, carries with it substantial potential implications for literary translators. This article assesses the ways in which human-centredness is being studied at the beginning of the era of translation with AI. It synthesises existing Translator Studies research, identifying patterns and lacunae. It also takes stock of current conversations in the context of Literary Machine Translation and Computer-Assisted Literary Translation, in order to identify research questions and emerging methodological innovations at the point when the practical usability of generative AI in the context of literary translation is first emerging. At present, research in Translator Studies that is relevant to both literature and technology does not appear to have changed substantially in response to the introduction of generally available Large Language Models. Based on these findings, the article looks to the future, suggesting research topics that move beyond the isolated case study model, integrating the impact of emerging technologies within and beyond Literary Translator Studies. It also suggests that human-centred research that considers the interplay of literary translators and technology could likely make extensive use of data drawn from direct interaction with the humans involved.