AI Literacy Among Iranian Translation Students: Perspectives and Perceptions

<p>Artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining more and more influence in the translation industry, presenting the future of its professionals with new challenges and opportunities. This study used a researcher-made questionnaire to investigate AI literacy among translation students at the University of Qom. In addition to demographic information, the questionnaire included components of familiarity with AI, attitudes toward the impact of AI on education and careers, challenges and opportunities, future educational perspectives and needs, and issues related to intellectual property rights (IPR) and legal concerns. Analysis of 107 completed responses indicated that while nearly 70% of students had used AI tools, only one-fifth had participated in formal training programs. Students showed that AI could improve translation skills, but many had doubts about the quality and accuracy of AI-generated translations. Participants stated that AI enhances translation speed and efficiency. However, they also emphasized the need to monitor translated texts, especially in addressing linguistic and cultural complexities. Students recommended the combination of AI into translation curricula and called for educational content. Furthermore, they also expressed cautious concerns about future job security. Students’ attitudes were significantly different only across the three factors of instructor use of AI, age group, and field of study, and awareness of legal issues was also significantly associated with field of study. Other comparisons were not significant. Also, while students understood the importance of legal literacy related to AI, they showed little awareness of intellectual property issues and considered current laws to be inadequate. Despite positive attitudes towards AI, students showed a low level of awareness about these technologies. There is a need for AI literacy programs in translation education because they enable future professionals to work effectively with these tools.</p>