Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) recently hosted an academic and professional event marking International Translation Day 2026, focusing on the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the translation field. The event, organised by the Department of English Language and Translation at the College of Arts and Social Sciences, aimed to examine the evolving landscape of translation education and practice in the context of rapid technological advancements.

The programme sought to address how AI tools are reshaping the translation profession, exploring the resultant changes in translators’ roles and career trajectories. Organisers also aimed to identify practical applications of AI in translation work, as well as to discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by these technologies.

A key aspect of the event was the examination of how academic translation programmes align with current labour market demands, which are being transformed by technological progress. To foster stronger connections among academics, professional translators, and students, the discussion highlighted the importance of communication and collaboration between these groups.

The event featured a lecture by Prof. Dr. Lynn Booker, Canadian Research Chair in Translation and a faculty member in the Department of Languages, Linguistics and Translation. Her presentation, titled “The Cognitive Challenge in Translator Training Programmes in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” emphasised the need to incorporate deliberate cognitive challenges into translation education. She argued that exposing students to complex tasks encourages critical thinking and reduces overreliance on machine-generated outputs.

Following the lecture, a panel discussion titled “The Future of Translation Programmes: What Does the Labour Market Need from Translation Graduates in the Age of the Machine?” brought together academics, practitioners, and translation specialists. Panelists examined AI’s impact on the translation market, anticipated shifts in the roles and opportunities available to translators, and the skills future graduates must develop to remain competitive.

The discussion further explored how academic institutions can adapt curricula and programme outcomes to reflect ongoing professional and technological changes. Participants stressed the importance of preparing graduates not only to navigate AI-enhanced translation environments but also to contribute meaningfully to the field’s evolution.

The event concluded with a series of recommendations aimed at advancing translator training programmes. These recommendations focused on aligning education with the demands of the AI-driven translation market and equipping professionals with the competencies necessary to thrive amid continual transformation.