Research on the Acceptance of Crowdsourced Translation Platform Technologies by Translators

Abstract

In the current era marked by rapid digitalization and globalization, crowdsourced translation platforms have emerged as key players in the global translation market, prized for their flexibility and efficiency. This new model of translation services not only provides a means to address large-scale translation demands but also introduces challenges and shifts in conventional translation workflows. This study investigates translators’ acceptance of paid crowdsourced translation platform technologies, with the aim of identifying the primary factors that influence technology acceptance and understanding how these factors impact translators’ work attitudes and behaviors. Through a mixed-methods approach that integrates surveys and in-depth interviews, the study gathers data from 300 translators with varied experiences and backgrounds. Utilizing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the research reveals the significant effects of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use on translators’ acceptance of technology. It is particularly noteworthy that translators show a high sensitivity to their perceptions of the platforms’ efficiency and potential changes in their income. Furthermore, job satisfaction emerges as a key factor in determining translators’ willingness to continue using crowdsourced platforms. This research not only provides insights into how to enhance the relationship between crowdsourced translation platforms and translators but also offers valuable recommendations for the advancement of translation education and the professional development of translators.