Legal Translators’ Perception ofAI in Legal Translation A qualitative study

Sammanfattning

This study investigates legal translators’ perceptions of AI’s influence on their practices, focusing onhow AI technologies shape their workflows, professional roles, and decision-making processes. Fourkey themes emerged through a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with ten (10) legaltranslators: (1) Challenges and concerns with AI adoption, (2) Impact on legal translation workflows,(3) Maintaining core values in AI-assisted translation, and (4) Perceptions of human-AI Influence.The findings reveal how translators perceive the intersection of technological advancements andestablished professional norms in legal translation. While many Participants recognise AI’s potential toenhance efficiency, they also express concerns about its ability to handle legal nuances and culturalcontexts. Legal translators adapt their practices by incorporating AI tools for repetitive tasks, allowingthem to focus more on critical thinking and quality control. The results demonstrate the need for abalanced approach that uses AI’s efficiency for routine tasks while preserving the critical role for humanjudgement in complex legal translations.