The Seminar Committee of the Department of Translation and its Applications at CCTLT held a seminar, on Wednesday, 06/08/1446 AH, corresponding to 05/02/2025, to discuss the Master’s thesis proposal in translation submitted by the researcher, Asma Mohammed Mahdi Madhwani, titled:
Investigating the Translation of Contextual Meaning of Extralinguistic Cultural References from Arabic into English by AI and Professional Translators
The seminar committee was composed of the following faculty members from the department:
• Assoc. Prof. Ibraheem Tagaddeen
• Dr. Abdulwadood Annuzaili
• Dr. Faisal Al-Dawli
During the Seminar, the researcher presented a clear and detailed MA proposal, highlighting the research problem, objectives, and questions. She discussed the importance of translating Extralinguistic Cultural References in Media contexts using AI translation tools. She emphasized the need for translators to be familiar with the translation strategies used in translating Extralinguistic Cultural References that can ensure the accurate transfer of meanings, ideas, and cultural elements from the SL to the TL. The researcher also discussed the effectiveness of AI translation tools in rendering the meaning of culture-specific items in media texts.
Assoc. Prof. Ibraheem Tagaddeen, the Center’s Director, highlighted the significance of the study as it deals with translation issues related to the revolution of technology and artificial intelligence. It also investigates the challenges in translating Extralinguistic Cultural References (ECRs) between Arabic and English using AI translation tools, and how to use these tools to ensure high-quality translation outcomes. He emphasized the need to use appropriate strategies and suitable AI patterns to convey the meanings of culture-specific items and their intended implications with author-based accuracy and reader-oriented acceptability.
Afterward, the seminar committee discussed the elements of the research proposal presented by the researcher and praised her efforts in preparing the proposal. Dr. Abdulwadood Annuzaili, the head of the department, emphasized that translating Extralinguistic Cultural References represents significant challenges for both translators and AI translation tools. By using appropriate strategies and patterns, translators can provide a comprehensive view of the translated text.
At the end, the committee approved the research plan and recommended that the researcher make the necessary corrections and revisions in preparation for drafting the thesis. The seminar was attended by Dr. Yahya Obaid, the Deputy Director of the Center and several faculty members and researchers.
