The Integration of Computer-Aided Translation Tools in Translator-Training Programs in Saudi Universities: Toward a More Visible State

Abstract

The paper aims to investigate the current state of Computer-Aided Translation (CAT) tools integration into the translator-training programs of some universities in Saudi Arabia, which are King Saud University (KSU), Princess Nourah University (PNU), Imam Mohammed Ibin Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Prince Sultan University (PSU), and Saudi Electronic University (SEU). The investigation touched upon the sufficiency of this integration and the usability of these tools by the translation students and graduates of these universities in different translation courses and tasks, which contributes to enriching the field of translation technology, due to the scarcity of such studies in the investigated region. The study used a mixed-methods approach to enhance the validity of the data. The results showed that CAT tools have not been integrated effectively yet into the translator-training programs of the universities under study, as not all of them provide CAT courses. While the universities that do, lack some elements which can help to promote the integration of these tools into the programs. As for the usage of these tools, the findings revealed that a significant percentage of the participants do not use CAT tools in their translation tasks, and more than half of them do not use CAT tools in other translation courses. These findings suggest more integration of CAT tools in the universities’ translator-training programs to enhance their outcomes and increase their graduates’ opportunities in the job market.