EXPLORING THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN ENHANCING SAUDI INTERPRETERS' TRANSLATION PROFICIENCY IN THE TOURISM SECTOR

Abstract

This study examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing the translation proficiency of Saudi interpreters in the tourism sector. It aims to explore how interpreters use AI-based tools in their work, examine their perceptions of the effect of AI on their translation proficiency, identify the benefits and challenges of using these tools. It investigates whether interpreters’ educational level and professional experience influence their views. Data were collected through a questionnaire covering AI tool use, translation proficiency, and professional practice. The findings show that Saudi interpreters display a highly positive attitude toward AI integration in tourism (Overall M = 3.95, SD = 1.01). The participants also reported that AI can support their translation proficiency by helping them deal with tourism terminology, improve language choices, and address different interpreting tasks. In addition, the findings indicate that AI can support professional practice by helping interpreters prepare for tasks and deal with challenging situations. It is utilized least effectively during extreme time-pressure tasks (M = 3.66) and structured pre-assignment preparation (M = 3.48). The study also found that educational level did not lead to major differences in participants’ views, while professional experience affected some of their perceptions. The findings suggest that AI-based tools can provide useful support for Saudi interpreters and may contribute to improving their translation proficiency and professional practice in the tourism sector. Finally, this study recommends providing specialized AI training for live interpreting in the tourism sector, using models that combine AI support with human interpreters, and designing different workflows to support interpreters in tourism translation.