Reshaping Translation Studies: Paradigm Shifts and Future Directions in the Age of AI Technology

With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, particularly the emergence of ChatGPT, the field of translation studies is undergoing a significant paradigm shift. The extensive application of AI has not only reshaped the nature and processes of translation activities but has also fostered the mainstreaming of post-editing and dissolved the traditional boundaries between textual and non-textual modalities. This transformation extends beyond the realms of translation practice and pedagogy, prompting a fundamental reevaluation of the essence of translation research and presenting contemporary challenges. This paper aims to explore how AI technology is reshaping the selection of research topics, methodologies, and perspectives in translation studies, aspiring to align translation research with technological advancements and broaden its scope. It examines the ecological validity of research topics in the AI era and the evolution of research methods and tools. The paper highlights that the widespread use of AI could invigorate applied translation research, drive the digital transformation of descriptive translation studies, and necessitate a reconfiguration of the core concepts and frameworks of traditional translation theories. Moreover, the paper examines the new challenges and tools that AI technology introduces to translation research, suggesting specific topics and approaches for further investigation. With a focus on ChatGPT, the paper ventures into emerging research areas including interdisciplinary studies, quality assessment, translation teaching, and the use of AI as both a support tool and a subject of experimental study.