Cultural Mediation in Translation Through Theoretical Frameworks and AI-Assisted Mediatory Strategies From Translators' Perspectives

This chapter examines cultural mediation in translation within the context of the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI). It draws on Skopos Theory, Polysystem Theory, and Venuti's domestication and foreignisation to frame translation as a culturally situated practice. Based on semi-structured interviews with ten professional translators from China, Malaysia, and Arab countries conducted between June and July 2025, it examines how translators negotiate cultural meanings in AI-mediated contexts. Findings reveal that translation strategies remain vital for preserving source-culture values. Translators use AI tools like ChatGPT, DeepL, and Google Translate for drafting and terminology support but note their limitations in addressing cultural references, symbolic meanings, and context-specific elements. The chapter's contribution lies in a cross-regional synthesis linking classic frameworks to AI-era practices, showing how translators reposition themselves as cultural editors and quality controllers while integrating AI responsibly with linguistic and cultural competence.