Translation Practice and Competence Enhancement in the Age of AI: Applying ChatGPT to Translation Education

Various advanced tools and technologies have had a significant impact on the practice and education of translation. In this era of AI, the emergence of generative technology has introduced an advanced conversational work mode that involves closer coordination between humans and machines. ChatGPT, as a representative of generative AI technology, holds significant potential for further advancements in the field of translation. Against this background, this study aims to investigate the utilization of this new generative AI technology in the context of translation education. As an invaluable resource for translation students, ChatGPT can offer them valuable guidance and support throughout the translation task. The article first explores how ChatGPT can effectively aid translation learners at different phases of the translation process, encompassing pre-translation, machine translation, and post-editing stages. Then, drawing on the influential PACTE model of translation competence, it explicates how ChatGPT can contribute to the enhancement of translation students’ competence, particularly their bilingual, extra-linguistic, and strategic sub-competences.