Translation and technology: factors that influence a translator's decision to use or not use modern technology in the translation process

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that influence a translator's decision to use or not to use modem technology in the translation process both locally and internationally. This study has three main objectives: to explain translators' behaviors using technology through Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Diffusion of Innovation Theory; to investigate factors influencing translators to either translate manually or use machine and computer-aided translation (C.A.T) tools, and to find out the extent of use of machine and computer-aided translation over manual translation locally and internationally.

Firstly, I introduce the study, I then explain two theories which will be useful in this study, and they are: Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Diffusion of Innovation Theory. These two are important in this study as they explain the translators' behaviors towards the use of technology in translation. I then focus on how translators can make use of the available machine and computer-aided translation technology in the translation field so as to be fast and efficient. Data on the factors influencing translators to either translate manually or use either machine or computer-aided translation and data on the extent of use of computer-aided translation tools in the local and international translation market is then presented.

I then examine whether Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Diffusion of Innovation Theory can adequately be used to analyze: factors influencing the choice of the translator to either translate using machine and computer-aided translation tools or translate manually and the usage and non-usage of machine translation tools and computer-aided translation tools in the local and international market. Finally I conclude with the findings.