Human-AI Translation in English/Arabic Contexts : Collaboration, Emotional Intelligence, and Cultural Sensitivity in the AI Era

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and human intelligence in translation, focusing on emotional intelligence, cultural competence, and ethical judgment in English–Arabic contexts. While advances in neural machine translation and large language models have improved translation speed and accessibility, these systems remain limited in interpreting emotional nuance, culturally embedded meanings, and ethically sensitive content. Using a qualitative approach supported by survey data and relevant literature, the study explores how human translators use emotional intelligence to interpret tone, infer authorial intent, and adapt messages for target audiences. It also highlights the role of cultural competence and ethical reasoning in handling religious, political, and socially sensitive material, where AI systems often produce literal or culturally inappropriate translations. The findings indicate that although AI performs efficiently with standardized texts, human translators remain essential for culturally and emotionally complex discourse, suggesting that effective translation practice depends on collaborative human–AI workflows.