Future translators' perception of literary machine translation: Can artificial intelligence grasp the complexity of a text?

Abstract

This article presents the results of a classroom research conducted in the Degree in Translation and Interpreting at Universitat Jaume I, aimed at analyzing students' perceptions regarding the use of machine translation tools in translating literary texts. This qualitative study examines how future translators assess the ability of these tools to capture the linguistic, stylistic, and cultural complexity inherent in literary works. The study not only evaluates the technical accuracy of machine translation but also considers the interaction between machines and human translators in the literary field, as well as the implications these technologies may have for professional practice and the teaching of translation. Students demonstrate an ambivalent perception towards machine translation, recognizing its usefulness while doubting its ability to capture literary nuances.