@article{ART003383671},
author={YI, Yeong-Houn},
title={Sustainability of professional translators in the AI era: Posture transformation, language proficiency redefinition, and identity reconstruction},
journal={The Journal of Translation Studies},
issn={1229-795X},
year={2026},
volume={27},
number={3},
pages={11-36},
doi={10.15749/jts.2026.27.3.001}
TY - JOUR
AU - YI, Yeong-Houn
TI - Sustainability of professional translators in the AI era: Posture transformation, language proficiency redefinition, and identity reconstruction
JO - The Journal of Translation Studies
PY - 2026
VL - 27
IS - 3
PB - The Korean Association for Translation Studies
SP - 11
EP - 36
SN - 1229-795X
AB - The accelerating development of large language models and neural machine translation is reshaping the translation industry and challenging the sustainability of professional translators. As machine-generated output increasingly meets market demand for “good enough” translation, translators risk deprofessionalization, often relegated to repetitive post-editing. This study proposes a three-dimensional framework to strengthen professional resilience: posture transformation, redefinition of language proficiency, and identity reconstruction. First, translators must adopt a proactive “cyborg” posture, strategically integrating AI tools to achieve augmented translation that balances machine efficiency with human cognitive oversight. Second, language proficiency should evolve beyond replicable Basic Language Cognition toward Higher Language Cognition and specialized phraseological expertise. This positions translators as “Translation Connoisseurs” who critically refine AI outputs for nuanced cultural and contextual accuracy. Third, identity reconstruction is essential: translators should transition from “language converters” into “Translator Plus,” embracing roles as multilingual communication consultants and cultural mediators. Through digital branding, storytelling, and collaborative negotiation, they can secure sustainable, high-value positions in the AI-driven market. Ultimately, the future of translation lies in “integrated language mediators” who strategically employ AI while maintaining exclusive authority over advanced cognitive and cultural tasks, ensuring long-term professional sustainability.
KW - Language proficiency;posture transformation;professional identity;sustainability;professional translator
DO - 10.15749/jts.2026.27.3.001
ER -
YI, Yeong-Houn. (2026). Sustainability of professional translators in the AI era: Posture transformation, language proficiency redefinition, and identity reconstruction. The Journal of Translation Studies, 27(3), 11-36.
YI, Yeong-Houn. 2026, "Sustainability of professional translators in the AI era: Posture transformation, language proficiency redefinition, and identity reconstruction", The Journal of Translation Studies, vol.27, no.3 pp.11-36. Available from: doi:10.15749/jts.2026.27.3.001
YI, Yeong-Houn "Sustainability of professional translators in the AI era: Posture transformation, language proficiency redefinition, and identity reconstruction" The Journal of Translation Studies 27.3 pp.11-36 (2026) : 11.
YI, Yeong-Houn. Sustainability of professional translators in the AI era: Posture transformation, language proficiency redefinition, and identity reconstruction. 2026; 27(3), 11-36. Available from: doi:10.15749/jts.2026.27.3.001
YI, Yeong-Houn. "Sustainability of professional translators in the AI era: Posture transformation, language proficiency redefinition, and identity reconstruction" The Journal of Translation Studies 27, no.3 (2026) : 11-36.doi: 10.15749/jts.2026.27.3.001
YI, Yeong-Houn. Sustainability of professional translators in the AI era: Posture transformation, language proficiency redefinition, and identity reconstruction. The Journal of Translation Studies, 27(3), 11-36. doi: 10.15749/jts.2026.27.3.001
YI, Yeong-Houn. Sustainability of professional translators in the AI era: Posture transformation, language proficiency redefinition, and identity reconstruction. The Journal of Translation Studies. 2026; 27(3) 11-36. doi: 10.15749/jts.2026.27.3.001
YI, Yeong-Houn. Sustainability of professional translators in the AI era: Posture transformation, language proficiency redefinition, and identity reconstruction. 2026; 27(3), 11-36. Available from: doi:10.15749/jts.2026.27.3.001
YI, Yeong-Houn. "Sustainability of professional translators in the AI era: Posture transformation, language proficiency redefinition, and identity reconstruction" The Journal of Translation Studies 27, no.3 (2026) : 11-36.doi: 10.15749/jts.2026.27.3.001
