Intercultural Interfaces: Artificial intelligence and the challenges of cultural sensitivity

Vanessa Amaro; Xiang Zhang

doi:10.34630/e-rei.vi13.6325

Authors

Vanessa Amaro Macao Polytechnic University
Xiang Zhang Macao Polytechnic University, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34630/e-rei.vi13.6325

Keywords:

Machine Translation, Artificial Intelligence, Intercultural Translation, Cultural Sensitivity, Portuguese-Chinese Translation, Translation Pedagogy

Abstract

This study investigates the intersection of cultural sensitivity and AI-driven machine translation tools in translation education, with a focus on Portuguese-Chinese language pairs. Drawing on mixed-methods research, it explores how students perceive and use AI tools for translation, the challenges they face, and the tools’ limitations in managing cultural nuances, idiomatic expressions, and contextually rich texts. Findings highlight that while tools like DeepL and ChatGPT offer efficiency and accessibility, they often fail to capture cultural and emotional depth, necessitating human oversight. Higher-performing students critically engage with AI outputs, while less proficient students rely heavily on these tools, often overlooking errors. The study underscores the need for translation curricula to integrate AI literacy, critical thinking, and cultural analysis to prepare students for hybrid human-AI workflows. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of AI’s role in culturally sensitive translation and its pedagogical implications.

Author Biographies

Vanessa Amaro, Macao Polytechnic University

Vanessa Amaro is an Associate Professor at the Centre for Portuguese Studies, Macao Polytechnic University. She holds a Master’s degree in Media Studies and Journalism from NOVA University Lisbon (Portugal) and a Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Macau (China). Her research focuses on intercultural communication, translation studies, and postcolonial identity, with particular attention to the influence of Portuguese culture and language in Macau. She is currently leading projects that analyze the evolution of the Portuguese community in Macau and the impact of Portuguese cultural symbols on the region's identity. Her work contributes to the understanding of cultural and linguistic exchanges in postcolonial and multilingual settings, offering insights into the dynamics of identity formation and intercultural interaction

Xiang Zhang, Macao Polytechnic University, China

Xiang Zhang is a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) at the Faculty of Languages and Translation, Macao Polytechnic University, China. He holds an M.A. in Portuguese Language and Intercultural Studies (Applied Linguistics) from the University of Macau (UM), China, and a Ph.D. in Philology and Portuguese Language (Cognitive Linguistics) from the University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil. His research interests and areas include the Theory and Practice of Translation (Chinese-Portuguese), the translation and dissemination of Chinese culture in Portuguese-speaking regions, as well as Cognitive Translation Studies. He has publications in various international indexing journals, including Cadernos de Tradução, Humanities and Social Sciences Communications and is the co-author of the book “Cognition, Complexity and Context as Other Minds: A Tribute to T. Givón” (FFLCH-USP, 2021).

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Intercultural Interfaces: Artificial intelligence and the challenges of cultural sensitivity

Authors

DOI:

Keywords:

Abstract

Author Biographies

Vanessa Amaro, Macao Polytechnic University

Xiang Zhang, Macao Polytechnic University, China

References

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