Attitudes of translation agencies and professional translators in Saudi Arabia towards translation management systems

Abstract

PurposeEffective translation has become essential for seamless cross-cultural communication in an era of global interconnectedness. Translation management systems (TMS) have redefined the translation landscape, revolutionizing project management and execution. This study examines the attitudes of translation agencies and professional translators towards integrating and utilizing TMS, with a specific focus on Saudi Arabia.Design/methodology/approachThe study's design was based on a thorough mixed-methods strategy that purposefully combined quantitative and qualitative procedures to create an array of findings. Through a survey involving 35 participants (both project managers and professional translators) and a series of interviews, this research explores the adoption of TMS, perceived benefits, influencing factors and future considerations. This integrated approach sought to investigate the nuanced perceptions of Saudi translation companies and expert translators about TMS. By combining the strengths of quantitative data's broad scopes and qualitative insights' depth, this mixed-methods approach sought to overcome the limitations of each method, ultimately resulting in a holistic understanding of the multifaceted factors shaping attitudes within Saudi Arabia's unique translation landscape.FindingsBased on questionnaires and interviews, the study shows that 80% of participants were familiar with TMS, and 57% had adopted it in their work. Benefits included enhanced project efficiency, collaboration and quality assurance. Factors influencing adoption encompassed cost, compatibility and resistance to change. The study further delved into participants' demographic profiles and years of experience, with a notable concentration in the 6–10 years range. TMS adoption was linked to improved translation processes, and participants expressed interest in AI integration and mobile compatibility. Deployment models favored cloud-based solutions, and compliance with industry standards was deemed vital. The findings underscore the evolving nature of TMS adoption in Saudi Arabia, with diverse attitudes shaped by cultural influences, technological compatibility and awareness.Originality/valueThis research provides a holistic and profound perspective on the integration of TMS, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the opportunities, obstacles and potential pathways to success. As the translation landscape continues to evolve, the findings from this study will serve as a valuable compass guiding practitioners and researchers towards effectively harnessing the power of technology for enhanced translation outcomes.

Saudi Phatic Communication in Translation: A Cultural and Linguistic Perspective

“…Project management and execution have been transformed by translation management systems (TMS), which have completely changed the translation environment. With an emphasis on Saudi Arabia, recent research published by Alsubhi (2024) looks into how translation services and qualified translators feel about integrating and using TMS.…”

A Study on the Lexicographic Approaches Utilized by English Language Scholars from Saudi Arabia: Emphasizing the Use of Dictionaries

“…The integration of computational linguistics and machine learning in translation tools highlights the importance of conducting a thorough evaluation to verify their effectiveness in dealing with the distinct grammatical structures of each language (Rivera-Trigueros, 2022). Both these studies focus on the lexicographic tactics used by English language scholars in Saudi Arabia, given the era of technological breakthroughs and increasing importance placed on cross-cultural communication (Alsubhi, 2024). This study thoroughly investigates the complex usage patterns of dictionaries among Saudi scholars, specifically examining the efficacy of bidirectional Arabic-English translation tools.…”